Wrestling the Kraken

Bridgett

Bridgett

Walking toward the beach, Bridgett carried the gift for Lanz in her hands. It was a square box, about a foot on all sides, wrapped in white satin paper and a black ribbon tied in a bow.

Being fairly light, it was easy to carry. As she walked closer to the beach, to Lanz, she found a certain airiness in her steps as well.

She arrived at the last dune, before reaching his tent, and could see he had a visitor. She froze, unsure of what to do and wondered at why the thought that he would have other friends surprised her? He was amusing, fascinating even, but she thought he was out here to get away from other people? He has said as much. Maybe just to be away from most people. She realized that there was still so much to learn about him and this piqued her interest.

Whenever she first met someone interesting, she was always information hungry. There was an itch to scratch at every layer, peeling away, until she reached the core, the essence of who they were. Then she breathed them in, appreciating their life story for what it was.

His guest was walking away, so she made her way forward. Soon the unknown guest and herself would pass each other, as they steadily walked toward one another. White buttoned shirt, rolled up sleeves, tie, trousers, polished shoes, and... something... on his belt loop- it was on his left hip, black, a silver metal piece... a badge. A cop? He's not hauling Lanz away, so maybe just a warning then?

The cop was close enough now. A man somewhere in his late 40's, possibly early 50's, medium build, and bags under his eyes. The lines around his face, deep set.

He nodded at her as they passed. "Ma'am."

She nodded back, smiling. As he passed by, she stole a glance over her shoulder. The smell of cheap cologne didn't cover up the smell of dirty laundry. This one had a long night.

♦

Mahone reached the dune, before looking back at the young woman heading towards Lanz's tent. Blonde hair, different clothes, but definitely the same girl from the other night. The one that had left in a hurry, upset. He waited on top of the dune, until he saw Lanz greet her and hug this unknown guest. Then he wondered if this was that recent encounter Lanz had mentioned. He headed back toward the spot where he parked his car. His legs, heavy with every step. Last night was a long night.

♦

Bridgett sat across from Lanz, watching him unwrap her gift. The smile on his face as he did, put her at ease. She wasn't sure how he would respond to receiving a gift so soon, but this surprised her.

Awkwardness, disappointment, confusion, doubt... these she expected, but he was none of these. He was a kid on his birthday, getting the go ahead to dig into the presents. It was refreshing to say the least.

She touched a gold ring on her right middle finger. Loosening it up, she twirled it around, mentally counting how many times her finger touched the diamond shape attached to it. It was a cheap plastic piece. A souvenir. The one thing she always took with her no matter where she ended up.

"I love it!" Lanz blurted, shaking her out of her thoughts.

His whole face brightened even further, which she didn't think was possible. That look. She took it in. An exuberant animation of a lively and playful portrayal of joy. She had seen it in photos of Marilyn Monroe, Gene Kelly in Singin' in the Rain and pretty much every movie of his. The wide smile, the deep lines that formed in the corners of his eyes as they pinched closer together, making more room for the cheeks to puff up.