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  The one dark side in his life had been Freda. It had been over a week since her mother had died and she had become more introverted. The smile had gone. The laugh he loved to hear had been replaced by silence. Even when she did see him, there wasn’t much more than a wave before she went back to her flat. Even her look had changed. Her eyes had become a little darker and she looked tired all the time. She was beginning to worry him, but he didn’t know what to do about it.

  He had just returned home and put his bike away when he heard Mr. Polski call to him from above. Petyr rushed up the steps and was met at the door.

  “Petyr, I would like to ask you to do something for me,” Mr. Polski said.

  “Of course, how can I help?”

  “Petyr, I understand you like to camp. Do you have a tent?”

  “Yes, sir, I have all the camping gear. What do you need?”

  “Well, Freda has been talking about going back to our farm for a day or so. The farmhouse and land have been rented, but if you could take her to the lake on the property, it might cheer her up. She hasn’t been sleeping much since her mother died and it has weighed very heavily on her. I can’t go, but if you could take her, I will drive you out there on Friday after school and come pick you up on Sunday. Could you do that?” Mr. Polski asked.

  Petyr was taken aback. He was asking him to spend a weekend alone with his daughter. That was different. He nodded his head. “I’ll be happy to go with her. Has she got a sleeping bag?”

  “I’ll get her one and will get the food for the two of you. I just hope it will get her mind off her mother and back to the present. It would mean very much to me,” Mr. Polski said almost pleadingly. It was clear he was concerned for his daughter.

  About the same time, Freda came out of her room and came to her father. “Freda, Petyr is going to take you camping this weekend at our lake. Is that something you would like to do?” her father asked.

  For a short instant, Petyr saw a light return to her eyes as she looked at him. There was a smile. “I would like that, Papa,” she said.

  “Then I will get everything taken care of. Petyr if you can come by after school, I will have everything ready,” Mr. Polski said.

  Petyr smiled at Freda. “Is there anything special you might want to do while we’re there?” he asked.

  She shook her head, “No, I just want to see home,” she said. The smile had gone and the melancholy had returned.

  Petyr looked at her father. “I’ll have everything ready,” he said. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said to her.

  She nodded and went back inside. Mr. Polski smiled and said, “Thank you, Petyr.”

  Going back to his home, Petyr told his mother what the plans were and she agreed. “Good. That poor girl needs to get away. Some fresh air will help her,” she said.

  “What about the deliveries?” demanded Petyr’s father.

  “You can do them in the car!” Mrs. Kursov demanded. “Does he not work hard enough for you? Let the boy become a man,” she said.

  “Oh, he’ll become a man alright,” said Sasha from across the room. He was rewarded by having a spoon flung across the room at him.

  School ended and Petyr rushed back to his home. He had put everything out the night before and was surprised when he got home and everything had already been placed into Mr. Polski’s car. Freda came out in some jeans and a flannel shirt. He was glad she had thought to dress warmly. Fall was already in the air and the nights would get much cooler. After saying their goodbyes Mr. Polski started the car and they drove off.

  The countryside was beautiful. The leaves were starting to turn, adding color to the surrounding green landscape. It only took half an hour to get where they were going. Freda had been right. The house was what Petyr considered a typical Polish country house, two story with painted shutters and bright trim. Mr. Polski pulled up to the house and got out a moment to let the people know they would be camping by the lake, then drove farther down a dirt road across the now harvested fields to the forest at the far end. The road curved through the trees and came to an end beside a beautiful lake, about ten acres square. There was a small cleared area at the end of the road along with a short pier out into the water.

  For Petyr, it was almost surreal. This kind of beauty he had only seen in photographs. The evening sun’s rays shown through the brightly colored trees, resting on the still waters of the lake. Occasionally the water would be disturbed by either a fish or insect and the only sound was the rustling of the leaves when the wind made its way. He stood and soaked the images in. “This place is amazing,” he finally said almost reverently.

  Mr. Polski chuckled. “Yes, I used to bring the family here for picnics and occasionally a small bonfire when it got cool. Freda especially likes being here,” he said. They watched Freda make her way to the small pier and sit alone at the end. “Let her alone for a while. That was where she and her mother used to sit and talk.”

  Petyr and Mr. Polski unpacked all the equipment and set up the tent. Then he pulled out a large wooden box and placed it on the ground. “There’s all the food you’ll need. I made sure there was plenty. The lake is fed by several springs, so the water should be almost pure. To be sure, you might want to boil it first,” he said. “Later this evening pull the rope loops up to the top of the box and hang it on that rope over by the tree. It will keep the animals out of it.”

  Once everything was done, Mr. Polski turned to Petyr. “Petyr, I think she needs you right now. I’m sure you will be able to help her. But if something goes wrong, just hike back to the house and call me. I’ll come get you. If not, I’ll be back Sunday about midafternoon.” He smiled at Petyr. “You two have fun,” he said as he placed his hand on Petyr’s shoulder. Then he walked to the pier to say good bye. Petyr saw him kiss his daughter on the forehead and then climb in the car and leave. He waved as he rounded the bend.

  Letting Freda keep to her thoughts, Petyr started rummaging around the area gathering wood for the fire. Within a short time, there was a healthy pile and he had gotten the fire started. Slowly adding the sticks and twigs, it soon was large enough to make good coals for cooking. He was startled when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Freda sat down on a log next to him and leaned into him. Petyr placed his arm across her shoulders. They sat for a while soaking in the heat of the fire as it slowly burned down to coals. More wood was added and the two opened the chest to get something to eat. There was enough food for a week.

  After making some selections, Petyr cooked their meal. Not much was spoken except for the pleasantries while eating. By the time everything was cleaned up, it was dark outside. Petyr sat back down beside Freda again. In a few minutes she gave a long sigh. “I always loved it here,” she said.

  “I can understand it. I’ve never seen a place so beautiful. If I could, I would be here every day,” he said.

  “My family used to come here often. Mother would prepare the meals and we would play along the banks and here in the woods. I don’t think I ever appreciated it as much as I do now. This was a happy place for us,” Freda said wistfully.

  This is progress, thought Petyr. At least she was talking. “The place hasn’t changed. The happiness we bring with us,” he said. “I appreciate the chance to bring you here.”

  She turned and looked at him. “I was hoping you would bring me. I have been thinking a lot about my mother, and it’s been keeping me awake at night. I don’t think I’ve slept in a week,” she said.

  “So you think coming here will help?”

  A smile came to her face. “Partly, but I need time with you. Petyr, I wanted this time because I need to be held. I need to feel your arms around me. I need to feel loved. I feel like I need to know that someone who cares for me will still be there for me,” she sighed. “Petyr, I know you love me. When you told my mother you would care for me, she knew it too. It was the most wonderful thing I had ever heard, and Mother knew I was safe. So just hold me. Let me feel you next to me. I don’t know why, but some
how I feel I need this more than anything,” she said almost pleadingly.

  Petyr wrapped his arms around Freda as she buried her face in his shoulder and held tight. “I said I would take care of you, and I will. I am here for you and will always be.” He kissed her on the head. They sat there for a long time until the moon peeked over the trees and lit the area of the tent. Petyr looked down on her and said, “Why don’t you go on in and get ready for bed. I’ll put the food up and when you are finished, I’ll come in.”

  She nodded and went into the tent. Petyr closed the food box and pulled the loops up from each side. The rope on the tree was attached to a pulley on one of the high branches. He lowered it down and attached the end to the box loops. Pulling the rope lifted the box high into the air, away from the reach of any animals, he secured the line to the tree. He could hear a zipper being pulled in the tent. “You ready?” he asked.

  “I’m ready,” came the reply.

  He entered the tent to find that Freda had zipped the two sleeping bags together. She was already in one side. Seeing the look on his face, she said, “Just come on in. I just need you with me tonight.”

  He started to get in fully clothed. “Petyr, go ahead and remove your clothes. I know I am safe with you,” she said.

  In the dim light, she watched as he undressed and then slid into the sleeping bag beside her. She snuggled up next to him and placed her head on his chest. He wrapped his arm around her. In a few moments Freda began to cry. For twenty long minutes she let her emotions pour out. When the last of her tears were released, Petyr felt her breathing become steady. She fell asleep in his arms. In a short time he too fell asleep, feeling as if he had done a miraculous thing.

  Krakow

  Mr. Polski opened the door to the apartment and called out for Rudy. If it was just them, they would go out for a meal. It would do them both good.

  Rudy walked out of his room with a serious look on his face. Mr. Polski noticed. “What’s wrong, Rudy? Is something the matter?”

  Rudy looked up at his father. “I don’t know. Is there something wrong with me?” he asked.

  The question took Polski aback for a moment. “Not as far as I see, son. Are you feeling ill?”

  Rudy shook his head. “No, but Mama’s death has really hurt Freda badly. It’s like she has lost it. She hasn’t talked to me all week, and now you let her go out with Petyr for the weekend to try and cheer her up. I miss Mama, but why am I not as upset about it as she is? I feel like I am letting Mama down or something,” he said sincerely.

  Mr. Polski placed his arm around his son’s shoulders and led him to the couch where they sat down. “No, son, there’s nothing wrong. Each of us has to deal with death in our own way. We both are sad that Mama is gone. I loved your mother for over twenty years. You don’t see me moping around, do you?”

  Rudy shook his head, “No.”

  “Well, that’s a part of the differences between all of us. You know how we have gone out and done things together without your Mama and sister? Well Freda and Mama had their time together as well. Mama taught her to cook, sew, do little things around the house, all kinds of things a mother would show her daughter. So it’s not unreasonable for Freda to be particularly upset.”

  “But why couldn’t we help her instead of Petyr?”

  Polski grinned. “Rudy, you haven’t been in love yet. She may not know it, but she loves Petyr very much, and I figure he feels the same way about her. Sure, we could do things with her and she would eventually be alright, but sometimes a young girl needs the companionship of someone they have feelings for. She loves us, but she may not say or do some of the things she would like to do around us. So I asked Petyr to spend the weekend with her,” he said softly.

  Rudy’s eyes widened. “He wouldn’t…”

  Mr. Polski raised a finger. “Do you trust your sister?”

  Rudy nodded.

  “Do you trust Petyr?”

  “I guess so,” said Rudy, although he had some doubts.

  “I trust Petyr too. He is a very good young man and I feel like he would be an asset to our family,” said Polski, “So I am willing to let them figure out these things for themselves. I know he won’t force himself on her. He cares for her too much. But don’t be surprised if they don’t come home feeling much better about themselves,” he said.

  “I just don’t want her to be hurt anymore,”

  Polaki laughed. “Now see, you are becoming more grown up too. One day, you will find someone who likes you as much as she likes Petyr. Then you will understand better. Until then, you just keep on doing what you do. I am very proud of you, son. You have been everything a man would like his son to be. And just now, you made me a little bit prouder. Now come, let’s go uptown and find a nice restaurant. Maybe we can plan a camping trip on our own,” he said happily.

  A smile had returned to Rudy’s face. His father was proud of him, and said so. All was right with the world.

  Norfolk, Virginia

  “This is insane. How do they expect me to keep most of our carriers and air groups at sea all the time? My guys need their time in port or they’ll go nuts!” complained Vice Admiral Josh Lineman, the Commander U. S. Fleet Forces. “Did you read this shit?”

  Admiral Fred Griffin nodded his head. “Josh, I know it is inconvenient, but look at what’s going on over in Europe. We don’t live in a vacuum. I was able to read that report and I must say I agree with it. The Russians are making their moves and we have to be ready for anything.”

  “But this guy, Hammond, isn’t even an aviator. He’s just guessing what might happen. If I tell my carriers to get underway and stay underway, they’ll go batty in just a few months,” said Lineman.

  “You ever met Hammond?” Griffin asked.

  “No. But I know he’s the President’s fair haired boy. I’d wager he is more into politics than he is being at sea.”

  Griffin gave Lineman a wary look. “Well, there you’d be wrong. I’ve met the guy. He’s all Navy and nothing but Navy. He’s one of the smartest flag officers we have, and I’ll tell you another thing,” he said getting a little agitated. “He put his ship directly in between my carrier and a bunch of North Korean cruise missiles. If it wasn’t for him, I might not have a command right now. He’s got balls as big as that carrier out there,” he said pointing out the window, “so before you start putting him down, you might want to check your six. Because if you get on the wrong side of him, I don’t want to be in the same state.”

  “He can’t be that good,” said Lineman.

  “I’m telling you he is, so go back to your office and work out a rotation so that as many of our carriers and their groups are out doing something. He’s not saying to always be out, but he is saying to have as few of them in port at a time as we can. Besides, you aren’t the only one. I’m sending the subs out too. At least out there we have maneuvering room. Now unless you have more questions, I’m up to my ears,” said Griffin.

  Lineman gave a sigh. “No, sir, I’ll get things rolling from my end. What about the Truman? She’s getting ready for sea trials next week.”

  “Have the yard send workers out with her to do any repairs out there. Let’s not keep her in port more than a few days at a time. And postpone the Nimitz overhaul for a few weeks. She can get a little work done, but nothing major. If something does happen, we’ll need her,” said Griffin.

  Lineman nodded. He was now convinced they were all nuts, but he would give a show of support, at least. “I’ll see to it.” He turned and left the office. He held off on exploding until he got in his car.

  San Pedro, California

  “What do you mean, we aren’t fully covered,” asked Patricia Hammond from her makeshift office in a trailer on the old Town Hall property.

  “Well, Mrs. Hammond, your policy doesn’t cover any building that hadn’t been earthquake proofed. So we will cover any belongings and temporary quarters, but the house may be a write off,” said the agent, calmly over the phone.
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  “When did this change? There was nothing about this when I purchased the policy,” she said.

  “That happened three years ago when the governor came into office. The state law changed and, as stated in the policy, we automatically changed the policy to fit the new laws,” he said.

  “So no one was given anything in writing?”

  “It is mentioned in the policy that the policy may change to match current state insurance laws.”

  Patricia looked at the phone incredulously. “That means no one in my community with your earthquake insurance is getting covered from the most devastating quake of a century. Do you know how much we pay for this insurance?” she asked.

  “Ma’am, my hands are tied,” he said tiredly. It was obvious he had been giving the same news a lot over the past few days.

  “Very well, we’ll see about this,” said Patricia as she hung up the phone. “Get the lawyer in here,” she screamed toward the outer office. In a few minutes a young man knocked on her door.

  “Yes Mayor, what’s up?” he asked.

  “Dan, I want to start a class action suit against the insurance industry. Any company that is not covering the losses of our citizens is going to feel some heat. Get out to the people still out here. Get a petition signed by everyone who hasn’t been covered to be included in this suit. Then file it locally and then at the state level. Something needs to be done about this,” she said angrily.