The TALONS Files: the chronicles of telepathic agent Ryan Dart

A Talk With Dad

6

The rest of the hospital stay was pretty bland. Ryan's dad stopped in after work, and wished him well every day. Ryan's mother popped in even more frequently. After three days, the doctors determined that the concussion symptoms had subsided, and released him from their care. It was only then that his father, not his mother, spoke to him about Declan's job offer. It was a rather decent ride home.

"Seems, you've been offered an opportunity." His father started.

"Yeah," Ryan shook his head, trying to remember the conversation. "Something like being a cop, or something like that. They were real secretive."
A proud smirk creased his father's lips. "I think its a little bigger than that, Ryan. I don't know what it is for sure. But you'll not be living with us anymore. Although, apparently, their training facility is right here in town, from what I grasp anyways. I could be wrong, they just jotted down an address and time on a piece of paper. The address is right downtown, in an office building.

Ryan mused, "I hope it's not a desk job."

"Considering your trial run," His father patted his son's head lightly. "I doubt that's the case."

"Yeah,"

"Listen to what they say and take it to heart, Ryan." He said imploringly, "They said what you have can be cured."

"Declan...er, the man that visited me said it was a gift."

His father chuckled "People say that about disabilities. It gives those suffering from them a different perspective."

"The way he said it was kind of convincing." Ryan argued, desperately wanting to believe Declan's words were truth.

"Maybe it's true. The fact is, we don't know what's wrong with...I mean we don't know what you're suffering from."

As if another beam of light cracked a darkened night, Ryan was struck with a thought. He had totally forgotten about an engagement, one that would usually be the highlight of a normal week. Since it hadn't been months, the surge of good thoughts was that more potent. It was Tuesday, and he was supposed to meat Damon. "Do you mind if I visit Damon tonight?"

"He called you?"

"Yeah."

"What did he say?"

Ryan paused for half a second. He decided that he'd leave out the part about Damon asking for five hundred bucks. Ryan's dad would not be pleased about Ryan spending more money, not as mad as his mother, but he still wouldn't be pleased. "Uh, he said he's trying new inventions."

His father's face soured. "Really, did they come to him while he was stoned? Did he come up with a three foot bong?

Ryan half chuckled, "No, he said he kicked that. He really sounded like he meant that."

"Druggies can lie convincingly Ryan."

"Well, I'm going to give him a chance."

"Just don't get messed up with that." His father warned. "You've got a ton going for you right now. I'd hate to see you get derailed by a cruel twist of fate, especially one that's your choice. I know Damon's a good kid, he's just going through a rough stretch."

Ryan interjected "He said he'd started inventing to cure the habit. I guess he got the Idea from his shrink, at least the guy wants Damon to do it anyways."

Ryan's father eased the car in the drive, bringing it to halt before reaching the garage. "Well, maybe it's legit then. He pointed at the Impala that was parked on the curb. Apparently, it found it's way home. "You're cleared to drive." Ryan's father shifted in his seat as he turned the engine off, pulling Ryan's phone from his pocket and handing it to him. "Here's the instrument your mother absolutely detests."

"Tell me about it."

"She'll get over it. It was only a couple thousand dollars. The way it sounds, you won't need to touch that trust fund for a while. This new job sounds like it pays well."

Ryan felt a radiant smile come across his face. "Yes it absolutely does."

"Be back by ten and.." His father paused for effect. "Absolutely, positively, no late night errands."

"Got it" Ryan said with a smile, "Oh, dad?"

"What is it?"

"Your not worried that this job might be dangerous?"

"If it cures what's wrong with you, It's going to open doors. There's risk in any rewarding venture in life. I've told you that. Heck yeah, I'm worried, but I think this is right for you."

Ryan reached over and gave his dad a hug. "I'm going to miss you and mom."

"We'll miss you more."