The Dates

AuthorHouse™

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Phone: 1-800-839-8640

This book is a work of fiction. People, places, events, and situations are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or historical events, is purely coincidental.

© 2008 Bill Reamer. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 11/18/2008

ISBN: 978-1-4389-1047-5 (sc)

Printed in the United States of America

Bloomington, Indiana

Contents

1

October 18, 1967

2

The Cleveland Airport

3

The Rent-a-Car Garage

4

Leaving the Airport

5

Gretchen’s Story

6

Epilogue to Gretchen’s Story

7

Benny’s Story

8

Epilogue to Benny’s Story

9

Logan’s Story

10

Epilogue to Logan

11

Jack’s Story

12

Epilogue to Jack’s Story

13

Willy’s Story

14

Epilogue to Willy’s Story

15

Eran’s Story

16

The Dates

17

Pittsburgh

18

Epilogue to Pittsburgh Trip

19

December, 1968

20

Gretchen’s 1968 Christmas Visit

21

Christmas, 1968 Epilogue

22

1969

23

Jane’s Call

24

Logan and Jane

25

Waiting for a call

26

New York Visit to Jane

27

Logan and Jenny

28

Epilogue to Picking

Jane up in New York

29

Labor Day, 1970

30

October, 1970

31

Gretchen’s Funeral

32

Epilogue to Gretchen’s Funeral

33

October, 1974

34

Benny’s Time

35

Epilogue to Benny

36

Summer, 1975

37

The Search for Logan

38

Logan and Willy

39

Jenny and Logan at Englewood

40

Aftermath of Jenny’s Visit to Englewood

41

Logan Calls Willy

42

Dark Days for Jack

43

Last Trip to the Penitentiary

44

The Emergency Room

45

The Last Epilogue

46

Reader’s Covenant

Acknowledgements

My appreciation to and acknowledgement of my wife, Ann, and sister, Mag Rose whose dedication to proofing and editing permitted me to stay focused on writing the story. Once again, I escaped the consequences, of not being the most attentive student in my various English classes.

1

October 18, 1967

I had just finished packing my shaving kit into my already stuffed carry-on luggage when I heard my wife shout from downstairs, What time does your flight leave?

9:00 was my somewhat irritated reply—this was about the fifth time in the last two days that I had answered that question.

Do you want me to fix you some breakfast? she continued.

No, I will pick something up at the airport if there is time. I really need to be on my way! I am not a morning person and I was really anxious about getting out and on my way. I was hoping to avoid the 20 questions. I was now waiting for number three.

I finished packing and put on my shoes. Armed with my carry-on in one hand and my bulging briefcase in the other, I bounded down the stairs looking for my car keys and wallet. Did you see my keys? I asked.

They must be around here someplace. Where did you leave them? (Question 3)

I left them on the countertop—right where I always do.

Well, then they should be there. I didn’t move them!

I thought to myself Yeah, right! The keys were finally discovered in one of the drawers. My wife of 25 years always tells me that I don’t put anything away. Logic would indicate that, if the keys and wallet were in the drawer, it had to be my wife that put them there! I really did not want to get into that logic with her at this time. I simply said, I got ‘em.

She replied, So they were right where you put them—right? (Question 4) Lacking the amount of time to get into a real argument—I just let that one slide by.

What time do you get into Pittsburgh? (Question 5)

I should be there in the early afternoon, if everything is on schedule.

Are you going to dinner with the Pittsburgh people? (Question 6)

I probably will.

If you are going to be with the same people on both days, do you think you should pack another pair of pants? (Question 7)

My carry-on is already full with some extra papers that won’t fit into my briefcase—so I am out of room! Besides, I don’t think anyone is paying attention to the pants that I am wearing. If there is any attention, I feel sure that I will be able to convince all that I do have more than one pair.

Well, what will happen if you spill something on them at dinner? (Question 8)

I think I will be able to adapt! I was now convinced that I would simply ignore all future questions; pretend that I couldn’t hear them. She was halfway to ten and I know that she had not, as of yet, gotten to a number of her standard repertoire questions.

Well, I am heading out. I need to try to get around to the airport side of the city before the traffic gets too bad. I then dropped my bags, gave her a hug, a peck on the cheek, and I was on my way.

This was an unexpected trip. I had really planned to hang around the office this week and catch up. More importantly, I planned to re-charge my batteries. A last minute glitch in some negotiations at one of our key customers took precedent. Now, here I was motoring down the bypass, hoping to get past all the traditional bottlenecks and make my plane.

If everything went well, I would connect to Pittsburgh through Cleveland, meet with the team, have dinner, form a strategy, meet with the customer at 8:30 tomorrow morning, and catch the 2:45 out of Pittsburgh. This would get me home at a late hour but not too late.

Luck was on my side when I breezed through the last known bottleneck. Now, I thought, except for some random accident, I should have a clear shot and make the airport in plenty of time to leisurely drink a cup of joe. It seemed to be a little foggy for this time of the year. Hopefully, things would burn off.

I hit the airport exit and headed to long term parking. I must admit I was tempted to park in the short term parking—after all, it wasn’t that much more expensive. Surely, the boss wouldn’t question the charge on my expense report—but I am a creature of habit.

The airport seemed a lot more crowded than usual; as I passed the departure board, it became apparent why. The little fog that I noticed was much more than that. Our airport situation lacked sufficient visibility to permit any takeoffs. Every flight on the board was on hold due to weather problems. It looked like I would have plenty of time for coffee.

Five hours later, a very long five hours later, we were about ready to board the plane. I walked over to the bank of phones. One phone became available and I made two calls. The first was to my wife. Upon hearing my voice she inquired. Are you in Pittsburgh already?

No! I replied. It looks like this is going to turn into an all day affair. I probably won’t be getting to Pittsburgh till late, so I will call you in the morning.

My second call went to my secretary. I told her to tell our group that I would be late getting in and to plan on meeting at my hotel about 6:30 AM for breakfast and a quick strategy session.

Overhead, I could hear the announcement Last call for boarding Flight 4774 to Cleveland. I proceeded past the gate agent and shortly was seated in my normal aisle seat. I noticed that the plane was unusually packed but little else. I strapped myself in and made a comment to the person sitting next to me Looks like we’re packed like sardines today! The response was a grunt. Well at least I wasn’t sitting next to some annoying chatterbox.

Before long, we taxied from the gate and queued up in our spot on the runway. After another 45 minutes, we were finally in the air. I used the wait in the terminal to consider our customer strategy and was able to develop several contingencies depending upon how the customer reacted. In fact, I can’t remember when I was better prepared for any customer meeting in my life. Typically, everything is so hectic that you don’t have time to think. I need to make a note of trying to build some thought time into my schedule.

Almost seven hours after leaving for the airport from home, I was looking out the window and spotted the landmark water tower which was less than two miles from home. The wonders of modern day air travel! Since I was so well prepared for the meeting, I decided to leave the work in the bag, close my eyes, and try to take a nap. This endeavor proved to be very difficult because of all the conversations, coughing, sneezing and loud boisterous cackling that was coming from a group of women heading off somewhere. I just hoped they weren’t heading to Pittsburgh.

My thoughts now have changed from meeting the guys for dinner, to making some sort of connection and getting into Pittsburgh just sometime tonight--hopefully, not too late in light of my 6:30 AM breakfast meeting. Before we took off there were rumors that Cleveland was experiencing much of the same weather. Since Cleveland is right on the lake, it was probably a little worse. If things were backed up, there might be a chance to make the original connection. We would just have to wait and see.

Finally, the pilot announced that we were on approach, but it seemed that a lot of time had passed since the announcement. It seemed that we were circling, and I would have thought we would have seen some ground lights by now. It must really have been soupy out there.

The pilot re-announced to prepare for landing—perhaps he was serious this time. The descent felt like a carnival ride. You could hear community gasps from many of the passengers as we dropped and shook--compliments of air turbulence. I travel a lot, but we hit one stretch when even I grabbed for the arm rest. It felt as if the plane was falling from the sky. The closest thing it could be described as was a carnival ride that I rode once. It simulated a parachute drop. The ride drew you up ever so slowly; and, once you reached the top, you would freefall for about 50 feet. Your heart went to your throat. Only after you were sure that everything was going as it was supposed to, you came to the realization that this was really fun.

Well, after the drop we just experienced, there was a similar delay before people started reacting to this brief encounter with gravity. Some were very cavalier in their take on the big drop. Some were obviously effusing with false bravado, and some like me were just a slight bit nervous and were going to reserve all comments until we were safely on the ground.

The pilot, obviously wanting to calm all fears, spoke over the intercom Ladies and gentlemen, we apparently just encountered some wind shear. Although, this is an unusual occurrence, our aircraft was designed to withstand such stresses. Oftentimes, we get warnings from other aircraft in the area of the potential for these type situations; but in this circumstance, we received no warning. We are now, however, in a position to warn other aircraft. So please sit back and relax during these final minutes of your flight. We ask that you re-check the security of your seatbelts. We expect the approach into the Cleveland airport to be a little choppy but nothing like what you just experienced. We will be talking to you again when we are on the ground.

The pilot’s voice had a calming effect on the passengers in the cabin and everyone seemed satisfied with the explanation. It seemed like we were on glide forever when suddenly we broke through the cloud cover and finally began to see terra firma. The rain was streaking past the windows as I finally heard the wheels touch and experienced the familiar feeling of the reverse thrusters as we slowed down to a maneuverable speed.

2

The Cleveland Airport

Once at the gate, we were told that there would be gate agents meeting the flight and that they would assist us with our continued travels. Inside the terminal, it was evident that the gate agents were far outnumbered by those whose travel plans were interrupted. I noticed a lot of heated exchanges between agents and passengers—so frustrations were riding high. I determined that it would probably be best to take a gentle, kind approach with any agent. I was sure that my considered approach would not be common to what they were experiencing. It seemed like the best strategy!

There were lines all over the place—no rhyme or reason as to which line to get into. I knew that I needed to strategize on which line was moving the fastest--making sure to avoid the ones with pleasure travelers, families with little kids, elderly, etc. I am about 50-50 on picking the right line. Today, though, there were no right lines. It was just important that the wrong lines were avoided.

I queued up and scooted my bags on the floor as we crept toward the young lady who was trying her best to handle an overwhelming number of irate passengers. Finally, I was standing right in front of her. I noticed that she looked very young and that her name badge read Marie. I really would have preferred a more seasoned agent—someone familiar with bending, if not outright breaking the rules. But…any port in a storm.

Marie, I started out I assume that this is the line for the restaurant. I would like a table for two.

She blankly stared at me for a moment. I immediately questioned my approach. Perhaps, it was too corny. Slowly, however, her lip line turned up into a smile, and she replied, We only have a table for three, and you can only have it if I can join you.

Eureka! I was able to make contact. I continued on with Mama said that there would be days like this—there would be days like this Mama said! Did your Mama ever warn you about days like this?

Again she laughed and replied Well Mama wanted me to stay in school. So in a way I am probably being punished for not listening to Mama.

I continued, Well, I am not all that hungry but would like to get to Pittsburgh sometime this evening—earlier better than later. What are my odds?

Marie pulled up my record and said, Mr. Reeves, we have you booked on a 9:45 PM flight which should get you into Pittsburgh about 11:00!

I interrupted, That is if we take off on time! It was already a little after 6:00, and I wasn’t looking forward to hanging out for another three hours just to have the flight cancelled.

Well Mr. Reeves, I really don’t know. I can only tell you what the screen is telling me.

I decided to try to take advantage of the established rapport and questioned Marie further. What do you really think the chances are of leaving Cleveland tonight?

She repeated that she could only pass on what the screen told her, but her eyes gave away that she really didn’t hold out much hope.

Well Marie, I continued, Since Pittsburgh is only about 80 miles from here, I think that I am going to look into renting a car and driving.

Marie replied, That might not be too bad of an idea. The weather and poor visibility is pretty much local. Once you get 25-30 miles away from the city and the lake, it should be clear sailing.

I thanked her for her help and joked that, even if I rented a car, I wanted to make sure that I got my frequent flier miles. I headed off to find a rent-a-car company that would be interested in providing a one-way rental. Marie directed me to a bank of courtesy phones nearby which would facilitate my search.

The first two or three contacts were fruitless. Apparently, I was not the only one seeking ground transportation. All the one way rentals were gone. Finally, I hit pay dirt. I found one that was able to do a one-way rental. The rental agent asked what kind of rental I was looking for. I responded, If you need anyone to return a Porsche, Lamborghini, or one of those new Camaros to Pittsburgh, I am your guy! But lacking any of those; I would like to get the smallest, least expensive vehicle.

At that point, I felt a tap on my shoulder. When I turned around, I was looking at an older gentleman in a gray suit who was about as tall as he was wide. His suit jacket did not cover his ample girth. His tie, which was loosed from around his neck, hung out an unusually long length beyond his coat bottom. Are you the guy driving to Pittsburgh? he asked—in an anxious, out of breath, New Yorker accent.

That’s me was my reply—not really sure why he would have any interest.

Would you mind if I joined you? Before I could reply, he added I will be happy to pay my share.

I briefly considered and decided that the companionship might be good and that he could probably help me navigate since I had never driven that stretch before. I asked, Do you know how to navigate to Pittsburgh?

Sure do! he responded. I have driven that stretch many times! My name is Benny. What’s yours?

Willy, and since I do need a navigator—welcome onboard. It was at this point that I realized that I still had the courtesy phone in hand and resumed my conversation with the agent. On a second thought, I said, How about a mid-size since I am having someone join me?

While the agent was checking availability I looked about and noticed a young man in Marine dress blues walking my way. He seemed to be on a mission and from his focus on me I was sure that I was part of his mission. The young man spoke Sir, I was talking to the gate agent, Marie, over there and she mentioned that she thought you were driving to Pittsburgh. I have a short leave, and I was wondering if I could hitch a ride. I really would like to get home to my family as soon as possible and I don’t think that the weather is going to break. I can contribute a little……although I did miss pay day.

I looked him over and there was no way that I could turn him down. Although his hair was short and tight, he had a certain look about him that led you to believe that he was probably at one time a real rounder and probably had a story to tell. To tell you the truth, if it was just he and I –I might have been tempted to pass—I mean he just had that look. But since Benny was already in, I didn’t see any harm. Sure, you can join us I said. And don’t worry about the money. We appreciate your service. What’s your name?

Logan, sir!

"Logan? Is that your first name or last name?’’

That would be my first name, sir. Logan McGregory is my full name.

I shook his hand and couldn’t help but notice a portion of a heavily tattooed forearm which extended beyond his jacket. It was a bold patterned tattoo that reminded me of the tattoos that you might typically see on a native Samoan. I said Okay, hang around while I try to get us a vehicle. By the way, I’m Willy. The guy in the suit over there is Benny—our navigator. You can also quit calling me sir. I am starting to feel like I should be giving people orders or something. Benny and Logan shook hands and started chatting. I then heard the voice on the other end of the phone come back with the news that there were no midsized vehicles available.

I responded, Just as well! Our group is growing, and we are now probably looking at a full size or larger.

I could hear an exasperated gasp on the other end of the line and a not very cheery Let me check. I apologized for being a pain, but I think he had already put down the phone and didn’t hear me.

As I was on hold, the crowd had cleared a little so that I could see Marie back at the ticket gate. She was talking to a lady and before long I could see her motioning in my direction and the lady pointing towards me—sort of verifying that I was the one. I was thinking….surely this woman was not going to come up to a complete stranger and ask for a ride. I would think that she would be concerned for her safety. It could also be a crushing blow to my manhood because if she asked me for a ride it probably meant that I must look pretty harmless. I didn’t know if I could readily digest that fact, but I would soon find out. She was headed in my direction.

Hello, my name is Gretchen Wells, and I am looking for a way to get to Pittsburgh tonight. The gate agent told me that you were renting a car and that, perhaps, you would be kind enough to let me join you.

Gretchen, we are trying to get a car and you are welcome to join us. These other gentlemen, as I pointed towards Logan and Benny, are also going with me. If you are comfortable riding with this group of strangers, like I said, you are welcome to join us.

I could see Gretchen eyeing over the group and vice versa. It took just a brief moment before she stated with a chuckle, Well you all look pretty harmless to me. I was crushed. But I do insist on paying my own way.

As I looked at her, I saw what looked to be a fifty-ish lady who was dressed rather Spartan-like. I suspected that she probably did not have a lot of discretionary cash. Now, I knew that Benny and I would just put the rent-a-car charges on our expense report and not be out any money, but I had a feeling that Gretchen’s share would be coming out of her not too deep pockets. That would be fine Gretchen. I responded However, in regards to your paying--we may be harmless, but we are also chivalrous. We wouldn’t think of taking money from you.

Gretchen sort of took offense and rebuked me with Chivalry is allowing me to join you. Not allowing me to pay my portion is condescending and offensive.

Now Benny and Logan were taking this all in. Benny sensed the awkwardness of the situation and piped in with Hey, Willy, you had no problem taking my money. I demand some equal opportunity here. I don’t understand why you are giving her special treatment. Is it just because she’s such a gorgeous gal?

Gretchen and I were now both facing Benny and Logan and I sensed her ire was about to be re-directed towards Benny. I interrupted. Hey Logan, do you want to get in on this discussion?

Logan replied, No thank you, sir. The Corps has trained me to be a lean, mean, fighting machine but I don’t want any part of this conversation. You got to know when to hold ‘em and know when to fold ‘em and I do believe I will be folding on this one!

Okay, Okay! Gretchen let me start this all over. I turned toward Gretchen with feigned gruffness Look lady, I don’t have any problem with you joining me and the boys, but we expect you to pay your own way. Do you have any problem with that?

Gretchen nodded with a very pleased and content look on her face and stated, That would be just fine. I will be paying with cash!

I noticed a muffled sound and then realized that the rental car agent was back on the phone repeatedly saying, Hello, Hello, Hello! I bet this guy really loved me!

Sorry about that. I was a little distracted here. I spoke into the phone. What sort of vehicles were you able to find?

The agent responded, Actually, the last vehicle available for a one way rental is a van that we converted for passenger use. Will that work for you?

That is really a little bigger than I wanted; but, if that is all that is available, I will take it. I will be by to pick it up as soon as I can round up all my passengers and their bags.

Just come down to the lower level in the parking garage, and I will have the paperwork ready to be filled out.

I turned to the group. Okay, we have a vehicle. I just need to fill out the papers. Why don’t we all take care of what needs to be done and meet at the car rental area in the lower level of the garage in 30 minutes.

Everyone agreed and scattered to find bathrooms, telephones, restaurants or whatever and attended to other last minute details that needed to be addressed.

As I was gathering my stuff together and putting things in my briefcase, I couldn’t help but notice a well-dressed man pick up the very phone that I had been using. What caught my eye was that this must be a person of distinction. That suit he was wearing certainly didn’t come off the rack. Cufflinks and monogrammed cuffs were exposed beyond the gray woolen fabric. I envisioned him as a man of power--a person who was in a position to make other people jump. He was probably like the people in charge who were responsible for me taking this last minute trip and subjecting me to all this aggravation.

I heard him inquire about a one way rental to Pittsburgh. After a few moments, it became obvious that I had booked the last available vehicle. I could sense the disappointment in his body language but he did not betray it in his speech. He graciously thanked the agent in spite of the bad news and as he hung up; I was amazed at how he handled himself in the face of the disappointing news. Typically, in my frustrations, I would have reacted quite differently. It was obvious from his countenance that he was going over all his options and that his potential solutions were dwindling.

I had a very unusual sense of power overtake me. After all, I was in a position to make all of his problems go away by inviting him to join my ever burgeoning crew. We did have room but, then again, I could strike a blow for all mankind that has been subjected to oppressive management by letting him spend the night, cooling his heels in the Cleveland Airport--just desserts!

I am embarrassed to say that the thought came to me but happy to say that I dismissed it immediately and spoke to the well dressed gentleman. I couldn’t help but overhear that you were trying to get a ride to Pittsburgh.

Yes, he replied. I was really trying to get back home tonight--kind of a family situation. I didn’t really want to be out of town but if everything had gone smooth and according to plan, I would have been back in plenty of time. Now, I really don’t know what I am going to do.

Well I said I believe that I am the source of your problem! I could see a confused look come over his face. I continued I am the person that rented the last one-way vehicle.

He chuckled. Again, I was amazed at how he handled adversity. I can oftentimes be good natured when I am trying to get something; but, if the results aren’t good another side of my personality can come through—sort of a Jekyll and Hyde.

I am sure it is just as important to you that you get to where you are going, as it is for me to get where I need to go. I am jealous of your good fortune, but hey, that is the way it goes. I am just trying to think of what other options I have.

Actually, I believe I am heading your way. Pittsburgh—right??

He brightened up and responded, Yes, Pittsburgh! Is that where you are headed?

Sure am. Would you like to join us?

Yes, I would! That is so kind of you. I would like to pay for the car.

Remembering Gretchen, I replied Trust me. You may not want to do that. We will, however, let you pay for a share of it. You will understand when you meet the rest of our riders. Our crew is meeting at the rental counter in the lower level of the garage in about 25 minutes or so. So, be there or be square. My name is Willy, and Willy waits for no man.

He grinned as he headed off toward a bank of phones and shot back, My name is Jack and I guarantee you won’t have to wait on me. See you there!

3

The Rent-a-Car Garage

I wove my way through the crowded terminal, using the overhead signs for direction. I eventually wound up at the rent-a-car counter. The agent behind the counter didn’t look anything like he sounded over the phone. The paperwork was waiting, and in what I thought was an unusually short time, I had the keys in hand along with a rather detail lacking map. I was directed toward a van that looked much larger than we needed. Actually it looked more like a cargo vehicle than a passenger vehicle—not a lot of windows. I noticed two bucket type seats up front and three bench seats in the back. I started out looking for something mid-sized and ended up with something king-sized. It was going to be tough to maneuver, but I wasn’t about to complain. At least I had a ride, and, for the first time in this long day of travel—I was in control. This was truly an exhilarating feeling.

It took me three up and backs to get out of my parking slot. I wasn’t really sure of the van’s length so I was rather conservative in how close I got to the neighboring parked vehicles. Finally, I found myself heading toward the rental counter and about to be freed from the grips of the Cleveland Airport.

As I rounded the last corner, I could see a small crowd, my small crowd, waiting for me. I flashed the bright lights to tip them off that it was me. As I pulled up, I announced, Last bus leaving for Pittsburgh. All aboard! If you snooze, you loose.

I surveyed the group as they were gathering their belongings. There was Logan with his green duffle bag. Gretchen was mixing her time between picking up her bags and fighting the others who were trying to help her pick them up. That Gretchen is one independent woman. We were all going to have to be extra careful not to step on her toes. I didn’t quite know what Benny was up to. He not only had a briefcase and suitcase, but he had a large shopping bag hung around his arm. I didn’t see Jack, but surely he was close by. There was no way he was going to miss this ride.

I opened the rear door and Benny and Logan figured out how to stuff the luggage behind the last seat. Gretchen threw in her two cents regarding packing the luggage into the van and being careful with the luggage, but Benny quickly silenced her with a comment about this being man’s work and not woman’s! He actually got away making that comment. Gretchen even smiled. Maybe she wasn’t as doleful and drab as I had thought. Although Benny was able to get away with it, I wasn’t going to press my luck with such comments.

.

As the last of the bags were being loaded, I reached for Benny’s shopping bag but he stopped me. I will be taking this up front with me. Just as I began to wonder about the whereabouts of Jack, I heard a recently familiar voice.

Is this the 7:15 to Pittsburgh? I turned and there was Jack, bags in hand.

I announced to the gang that I had picked up another fellow stranded traveler and then since I was in a rather jovial mood, I announced I let Jack join us because he was willing to pick up the entire tab. Isn’t that right Jack?

Not knowing Gretchen’s history or my setting him up, Jack immediately responded, Absolutely. I really appreciated being invited to join your group and would like to show my appreciation.

It took Gretchen a little longer than I had expected to chime in—about a second and a half. She responded with I pay my own way. You could hear the indignity once again begin to rise. You can pay for these other guys but not for me!

Jack quickly realized that I had set him up. Before he could respond, Benny chimed in, Jack, you see when you are a glamorous gal like Gretchen; she is used to guys always trying to hit on her.

I was a little shocked and wondered how that comment would set with Gretchen but she just laughed and said, It is going to take a whole lot more than a rental car tab to get in my good graces.

Jack correctly surmised the situation quickly and announced, I am withdrawing the offer. Everyone is on their own.

Benny, ever the instigator, piped up with Jack, your offer to pay is alright with the rest of us….just not Gretchen. You are more than welcome to pay my share.

The reply from Jack was, Nope, the offer is for everyone or no one. So if you want it you will have to convince that young lady to accept it.

Benny retorted, "Don’t put away your wallet! I will have Gretchen won over by the end of the trip.

The reply from the group was unanimous. Don’t bet on it.

The group went about introducing themselves to one another and I couldn’t help but notice that Logan, our Marine, was pretty much a loner. Oh, he would smile and laugh at some of Benny’s shenanigans but he almost looked distracted in doing so. This guy is deep, very quiet, edgy and somber. I wasn’t going to worry about it too much. I just wished that he would be a little stronger from a social perspective. It may be, I thought, that he was probably just tired and had a lot on his mind.

I stated, Currently, Benny is our designated navigator. He says that he knows the way to Pittsburgh, but I am really not too sure we can believe anything that Benny says. There was general laughter from the group except for Benny who was making some sort of attempt at debunking the statement and defending his honor. But I continued, I think we should give him at least one shot.

I handed the map to Benny who quickly threw it on the floor of the van as he climbed into the shotgun seat. I don’t need this, he grumbled. I know the way to Pittsburgh like the back of my hand!

Since Logan was the nimblest of the group he volunteered to climb into the second row bench seat. Jack was busy loading his luggage into the rear of the vehicle, so Gretchen climbed into the bench seat right behind the driver. Soon, Jack joined her on the bench, slamming the van door shut as he entered.

Finally, our weary group of travelers was ready to put Cleveland in the rear view mirror. I made a few mirror adjustments, started the vehicle, and put it in drive. The van idled forward as I continued to familiarize myself with all the van’s functions and where they were. I found the wipers and figured out their operation. I continued to alternate my attention from where we were going to trying to figure out the heater and defroster which I figured we would surely need once we got out into the foggy night air. I located the controls and was in the process of adjusting the fan speed, temperature, and direction when I heard Logan shout, Look out!

I quickly changed my focus from the air controls to the windshield to see that we were heading directly toward a shadowy figure that was standing right in our path. I wasn’t going fast, but, as I slammed on the brakes, the brakes squealed and the van skidded on the wet garage pavement. We stopped before hitting the figure. It was good that we did because the person made no attempt at all to try to get out of the way. There was a collective sigh from the group. The figure just stood illuminated in the headlights--motionless, expressionless. The headlights created a very eerie sight. It was similar to what you would see when, as kids, you would shine a flashlight under your chin to create some grotesque facial features.

I rolled down the window quickly. Buddy, are you okay? There wasn’t any response. A second time, with a little more emphasis, I repeated, Are you okay? Once again there was no response, no motion from the mysterious person. I really wasn’t sure what to do. He was blocking our way and made no indication that he was going to step to the side and let us pass. There also wasn’t any room to get around him. We were at a standoff!

Things were getting rather creepy when suddenly Logan bolted from his rear seat, opened the side door and was face to face with the stranger, like quick. I was amazed at how Logan negotiated getting past the van’s seats, unlatched the door and charged around to the front of the vehicle so fast. The stranger was a bit taller than Logan, but there Logan was--chest in the stranger’s chest, face in the stranger’s face, fists clenched. The question was are you okay? Logan spoke in a very challenging and demanding tone. For a moment, I thought that things were going to get out of hand. I wasn’t quite sure what I could do about it. Logan had this determined, menacing look on his face. With all his combat training, I certainly didn’t want to get in his way. It was also apparent that he had a quick fuse and a determined, if not unique, method for handling conflict resolution.

The stranger made his first move since the encounter. He changed his gaze which, to this point, was in the general direction of the van and looked Logan in the eyes. He responded very calmly, even though Logan was right up in his face. Yes, I am fine. The voice was monotone and without any emotion. There was no fear in his voice either from almost being hit by the van or from what looked soon to be a collision with our lean, mean, fighting machine. I mean you would expect some emotion but there was nothing.

The stranger brushed past Logan and headed toward my side of the van. As he walked up, I noticed that he was a gaunt figure dressed in a dark overcoat and that he had a color which was a pallor that you normally saw with people who had spent a long time in a hospital. There was almost a lack of color. As he came to my window, I was happy to see Logan bird-dogging him all the way.

The stranger spoke, I believe that you are heading to Pittsburgh tonight. Is that right? After a brief pause, I confirmed that was our plan. I was wondering if I might be able to join you. Up until this point, except for Logan, the rest of the travelers were all silent. I would say all were in a state of shock would be a better description.

Benny was the first to speak and I could tell by his response he was not in favor of expanding the number of passengers. Benny leaned across me and said, Look buddy, we already have a pretty full vehicle. I am sure that there are other ways of getting to Pittsburgh tonight. We are kind of packed here. The stranger briefly looked at Benny and looked back to me and said, I really would like to join you if at all possible.

The man had a very piercing, almost hypnotic stare that made it tough to look away. In my mind I was going over all the scenarios. As I was deliberating, I looked at Logan. I sensed that he would take this guy out at my very command. I looked at Jack and Gretchen in the rear view mirror but I could not easily read their reaction.

As I studied the dark stranger,