The TALONS Files: the chronicles of telepathic agent Ryan Dart

Time to Improvise

The next morning there was a bit of a squabble between the two teenaged agents. Ryan lost the argument and Mai, by her sheer will, was continuing on, stating, "If you're in danger, you stay in the hotel room."

Ryan argued that Scam was looking for an Asian girl and, by the faces he had seen so far, she would be an easy target. Mai had insisted that they were together on this case. So, for now, they were sitting together and waiting at the Dixie Saloon. They had no Idea who they were waiting for, or when that certain party would be there.

Ryan liked the Dixie Saloon. Despite the clouds, he had an excellent view from the second floor balcony window. He could see the ferry docks, whose parking lot carried towards the eatery, and Mackinac Island in the distance. It had rained last night, creating a spattering of puddles in the large parking area.

The restaurant, itself, was like a giant log cabin. The walls, the floor and even the railings, which hindered their view of the area below, all were of rough stained wood. Ryan delighted in the crude skinny timbers that served as railing, which ensured safety on the fairly narrow wrap around balcony. He especially liked the giant logs that served as roof supports.

They ordered two Cowboy Burgers and sipped on Sodas, as Mai instructed Ryan. "OK, there's a lot of people here. There will be a lot of telepathic clutter. So focus on key words." She shifted her v-neck top which looked like an abstract painting, swatches of color ran together in long streaks. Along with her P-coat and black dress pants, she almost looked professional. Yet, her long cascading hair hinted she was trying to impress a date.

Ryan pulled his lips from the soda straw. "Key words like what?"

"Things that the SCARE operative or terrorist would probably be thinking about. Or saying to each other."

"Help me out." Ryan frowned, nervously straightening his hoodie. The black sweatshirt had almost been another argument. But their first argument, when Ryan suggested she stay at the hotel, had had upset her so much, Mai had totally overlooked his attire.

She shook her head in annoyance, bothered at having to tutor her partner, "You know, things like 'Drop off', 'money', 'pick up', 'SD card', 'data files',' package'...'raghead'-things like that."

'Will do'

"And that is the last time you're wearing that god awful hoodie on a date."

Ryan scratched his temple, as he responded, "Probably not, and one day you might change your mind."

"Ryan, you have to try to look like you're trying to impress me."

Ryan flashed an electric smile, "My charm is all I need."

"Focus on the patrons, 'Prince Charming'. And when the burger gets here, try to eat slow. We want to look like some loafing teenagers."

"Right."

There was a lot of telepathic noise in the half full restaurant. As time dragged on, Ryan was beginning to think this mission would be a failure. He even took the time, as many did before him, to scrawl his name on the wood window frame. Messages, signatures and everything else were scrawled all over the restaurant. It seemed that activity saved this day from being a total loss.

However, he focused on all the thoughts clamoring the buzzing eatery, as he struggled to quell his notion to devour his burger. Defying his teenaged instincts, he took baby bites at long intervals, as he focused on the key words swirling around the restaurant..

"We'll Drop her off at the hotel, then head to the Island."

"Man, we've spent a lot of money so far. I hope she doesn't expect to get back on the ferry tomorrow."

"I really hope he doesn't buy that pick up. They just use too much gas. What does he need it for?"

"I've actually used all the space on this SD card? That is seriously a lot of pictures."

"I don't know if I'll have enough money for tickets."

"I'll just package the mug and the T-shirt together. I think she'll appreciate that."

The thoughts kept the two busy and, as Ryan looked at his watch, which read 12:51 pm, he didn't know if he could keep this up all day. And then, from a distance, the faintest thought touched his brain. It was very weak, but he could feel the conviction,

"The Ragheads want to meet on the Island. Well, that's not that bad, I guess. It's there, so it should eliminate a lot of hassle."

Through the restaurant's window, Ryan caught a glimpse of an African American man wearing a yellow fleece jacket and jeans. The man was jogging towards the ferry docks, apparently just leaving the ticket booth.

Immediately, sensing they were in the wrong place, Ryan shot up to a standing position. He hurriedly went through his wallet, throwing sixty dollars on the table. He knew cash would come in handy today, it was fortunate he had withdrawn the money from an ATM last night.

Mai was absolutely startled. "What's going on?"

"When does the Ferry leave?" Ryan said hurriedly, as he checked his apple watch.

"on Every hour after 12:00"

"It's 12:51, quick let's go!"

"Why? Ryan, what the Heck?"

"They're meeting somewhere on the Island."

Mai wore an alarmed expression. "Are you sure?"

"Yes!" Ryan implored with every ounce of his being. "The Ragheads want to meet on the Island."

"You sensed that?"

"Yes."

"We're in the wrong place!" She threw her chair back and started towards the wood staircase. "We have to buy tickets now. We need to be on board with him. That way, we can find out where they're meeting or follow him there.

"Right," Ryan said, as they flew down the stairs and out the door.

Their waitress, alarmed to see her customers darting for the exit, rushed into the gray afternoon weather. "Would you like your check or something?"

Ryan threw a hand in the air. "Money's on the table, keep the change."

"Have a nice day."

Ryan was at a full sprint, splashing through puddles, as he shot towards the ticket booth. "That's doubtful!" He shouted.

They reached the booth, imploring the woman for tickets to the boarding ferry. The woman obliged and they hustled towards the docks.

As they breathlessly reached the ferry, one of the crew member's smiled in amusement. "Whoa! You kids made it just in time."

They slowed and, trying to act casual as to not attract attention, walked on the deck of the boat. Ryan headed toward the seating on the bottom deck, where there was shelter from the cold winds. However, through a window, he saw the yellow coated black man, seated towards the back of this enclosed area. He was sure that man was a SCARE associate.

Ryan looked at Mai, who stood in her black P-coat. He then observed the open seating overhead. "I guess we're sitting on top."

Mai shrugged, "I can survive half an hour in the cold."