Epilogue

During the Month of June 2019, the 1000 seat Performing Arts Center served as the assembly hall for the US House of Representatives. An educated man from Mexico, named Thiago brought his family to Omak. He had been the paymaster for the third division. Now he was the elected Representative for his County.

Willy now entertained Thiago and Skut. The three boys were all over Omak. They were seen in Sou’s Family Restaurant having lunch, sitting at the President’s Table. Willy ordered ice cream cones for the three. Jenny had gotten word of her son missing, then another call of him being at Sou’s Family Restaurant. Jenny got the family together, all but John. They marched into Sou’s, “What do you have to say for yourself young man?”

“Ice Cream?” Willy said.

“Do you have anything to pay for it with you?” Jenny asked.

“Daddy!” Willy shared.

“The First Lady, the President thought this might happen. He asked for us to run a tab,” One of Sou’s daughters suggested.

“I have a better idea.” Jenny reached into her pocket and pulled out a one-ounce silver coin. She gave it to Willy, “You pay for it and put the change into your pocket for next time.”

“Okay, Mama,” Willy said.

“Do you have enough money to buy us a cone too?” Jenny asked.

Willy made the shrug of the shoulders and question on his face for his answer.

“Well ask her?” Jenny was laughing.

Willy held up the silver coin, “Enough?” he asked Sou’s daughter.

“Yes Willy, you have more than enough.” The daughter said.

“Okay! Tomorrow too?” Willy set the coin down and attacked his rocky rainbow delight. There were four kinds of ice cream on this cone. A strawberry with real chunks of strawberries. A vanilla with chunks of cookies. A chocolate with chunks of chocolate and a bit of orange sherbet.

“Yes, tomorrow and many days too.” She said.

“Willy, where are you going after this?” Jenny asked.

“Baby Chickens.” Willy shared.

“Then where?” Jenny asked. He was going to the high school’s barn.

“Baby fish,” Willy answered.

“Then where?” Jenny and the kids had their cones. Next stop was the fish hatchery.

“Home,” Willy said between bites.

“Willy, can your brothers and sisters go with you?” Jenny needed to get back to Robert & Gaia for their feeding. She had left them next door with the General’s wife Beth.

Willy turned to Skut and Thiago and asked them. They didn’t care. They were having a good time following Willy around like big boys of the world. Sam and John had given up on trying to protect them. Willy could more likely protect any bodyguard that was assigned to him. All the kids had an ID tag attached to their lanyards showing where they were. The kids have all been taught to push the button if they are afraid of someone or if they see someone hurt. A large computer screen was being monitored by the Minutemen showing where all the tags were. By holding the mouse pointer over any one of the tags, the name would come up. If a button was pushed an alarm would sound with name and location on the screen.

Jenny asked the boys to wait. Willy was displeased but agreed he needed the change for tomorrow.

Ben suggested everyone that still had cones to take napkins. Willy got his change and Jenny helped him put it deep in his pocket, so he would still have it for tomorrow and the next day.

“Ready, GO!” Willy announced, and Jenny was left by herself.

“Mrs. First Lady, can I get you anything?” Sou’s Daughter was laughing.

“Yes, please get me a napkin.” Jenny was also laughing, “What did they have for lunch?”

“They started with a cup each of the smoked salmon chowder and a seafood variety plate. I brought each of the boys their own plates and sauces for dipping then divided the seafood up among the three. I took the opportunity to add carrot sticks and celery sticks to their plate. The boys loved to dip the veggies into the sauces and all three ate all of them. Then the cones for dessert. And they all had a small orange juice with their meal.”

“Well, they’re eating okay. He didn’t leave you any tip.” Jenny shared.

Mrs. First Lady, your son and his friends have made my day.” The daughter laughed, “I want one just like Willy.” The two laughed for a minute.

“Why are you calling me First Lady?” Jenny asked in a quiet voice.

“Daddy says while the world is here we need to show everyone our love and respect for you and Mr. President.”

“Okay, but when they go home, we go back to Jenny and John!” Jenny said.

“Yes, Mam.” The two laughed again.