Shark Among the Minnows Read online

  “Son, the poet Lovelace wrote, ‘I could not love thee so much, lov’d I not honor more.’”

  “Honor sucks daddy!”

  “It does. It certainly does. Do you know what is worse than honor?”

  “No.”

  “Not having honor.”

  “Ok.”

  Carol says, “I think our honorable son deserves some ice cream.”

  His eyes light up, “Ok, mommy.”

  WATERFRONT HOME, AINAHOU STREET, MAUNALUA BAY, HI

  1445, 12 December, 1990

  ST3 Leroy Guthrie is laying on his back in a King size bed with three naked young women. Lorna, the homeowner is curled up on his right, “Leroy, do you have to go?”

  “I do, Lorna Love.”

  Chrissy on his left says, “If you stayed here, we could keep you so happy.”

  “Oh, darlin’ your awesome. All of you are so awesome. I’m a sailor. Sailors go to sea. I have to go.”

  Debby who is sitting on his hips as they make love says, “Oh, God Leroy. I need you to stay. I’ll go through withdrawals.”

  He smiles at her, “I’ll miss all of you too. I love you three.”

  HALE KOA NAVAL RESORT HOTEL ENTRANCE, WAIKIKI HI

  1454, 12 December, 1990

  As John and Lisa walk through the huge concrete and brick planters to the entrance Lisa asks, “What is this place?”

  “It is a resort owned by the Navy. Sailors and Marines come from all over the world to vacation here.”

  As they speak a young family of four leave the hotel in shorts. The two kids are trying to run ahead as mom and dad try to keep them corralled. The mother smiles at Lisa with a weary look.

  She smiles, “So, it’s a sailor hang out.”

  “Yeah, kind of.”

  They turn into the restaurant area and a hostess asks, “Party of two?”

  John says, “We’re meeting Commander Cumberland.”

  She says, “You’re Commander Morrison and guest, right this way.” She leads them through the tables to one overlooking the gardens with the ocean beyond.

  Cumberland is also in dress blues. His sleeves have the three stripes of a full commander. He stands to greet them. He ignores Morrison and looks at Lisa, undressing her with his gaze.

  John, bristling, schools himself and says, “Commander Cumberland, Lisa Stevenson. Lisa, my skipper, Commander Cumberland.”

  Cumberland smiles, “A pleasure.” Then, “You are correct Commander. She is quite beautiful.” He pulls out a chair for her to sit, “Are you enjoying Hawaii thus far?”

  Lisa smiles, giving Cumberland a measured look, “Yes. It is so good of John to give me the opportunity of an extended break from my life.”

  A waiter comes up, giving them menus and taking their drink orders.

  Cumberland, nursing a cocktail asks, “John told me you’re going through a divorce?”

  “It’s final now. I should have never married Ted. It is what it is.”

  Cumberland says, “It seems to me this Ted is the loser when the two of you split. You are quite lovely.”

  “Thank you. It is fortunate as it turns out that we never had kids. Divorce is so hard on children.”

  Cumberland’s face tightens, “Yes, it is.” He lets out a breath and smiles. “So, how did the two of you meet?”

  John says, “While I was enjoying a weekend away from Power School. Me and a few of the guys were hanging in Chinatown in DC and she had escaped her brother’s concert at RFK.” He looks at Lisa, “How is Andy?”

  “He is still playing keyboards with Metalsmith. They have a new album coming out soon. He gave me a copy for you.”

  Cumberland asks, “What is this ‘Metalsmith? A band?”

  John, “Yes, sir. They play heavy metal. I doubt you have heard of them.”

  Cumberland, “I haven’t. Are they successful?”

  John says, “They put out her song, ‘Watching Baby Walk Away’. It was one of their most popular.”

  Cumberland, “Yes. I recall that song, but I thought it was country?”

  Lisa says, “It was covered by Carley Woodsen.”

  Cumberland, “That’s right. I have heard it. A rather sad break up song. I would have thought it was made for country.”

  She smiles, “It is a good fit.”

  Cumberland, “So, you are one of those heavy metal, punk, hate your country types.”

  QUARTERDECK, USS SAN FRANCISCO, SSN-711

  1520, 12 December, 1990

  TM2 Scott Kichiro, a short, stout Guamanian, turns to look at a seagull munching on a muscle then at TM3 Evan Trindle, “What the fuck are you doing on here. You got seven hours before you have to be here.”

  “Dude. I got nothing to do. Guthrie is screwing every available chick on the island and I can’t afford to get drunk.”

  He digs out his wallet and hands Trindle a twenty, “Go get a beer at the E-club and drink it for both of us. Stay there and watch the sun set, cause you ain’t seeing another for months.”

  “Ok. Don’t have to tell me twice.”

  MMC James Giblin finishes climbing out of the boat, “That’s a good thing you did, Kich. How are you doing.”

  “Ok, chief. I’m going to miss this place.”

  “We all are. Have you called your family?”

  “Yep. Last night.”

  “You didn’t wake them up?”

  “Nope. They live on Guam.”

  BARBERS POINT NAVAL HOUSING, OAHU HAWAII

  1535, 12 December, 1990

  Stan says, “Ok, as you enter the cave you can hear the rhythmic breathing of the Gygax. The breathing is slow and so large you can feel the air move.”

  Ruth asks, “Can I see it?”

  “You see its tail. The rest of the body is around a corner. What is your order of march?”

  Andy says, “Same. Remember dad, I have the blind fighting feat.”

  “I know.”

  Stacy says, “Dad, remember that dragon amulet I found?”

  “I do.”

  Stacy continues, “I’m going to create a magic orb so we can see in the dark. I want it to float above and behind us. Then I pull out my dragon amulet and invoke it.”

  “Ok. Luke, you’re up.”

  Luke puts down his Legos, “My turn?”

  “Yep.”

  “I fly over to these guys and land where I don’t squash ‘em.”

  Stan says, “You’re big but not, so big as to crush them.”

  Stacy, “Wait? What is Lucas doing, Dad.”

  Stan says, “He is playing his character just like you.” He turns back to his youngest son, “Describe yourself, Luke.”

  “I am a blue-eyes-white dwagon and I’m the king of the dwagons.”

  Stan and Ruth exchange pleased smiles as his brother and sister laugh.

  RESTAURANT, HALE KOA NAVAL RESORT HOTEL, WAIKIKI HI

  1540, 12 December, 1990

  Cumberland looks at Morrison and Lisa and asks, “How many songs have you written Miss Stevenson?”

  “Twenty-nine that were released.”

  Cumberland, “I would think that would make you financially stable?”

  “Um, yes.”

  “Then please tell me why you needed to borrow an apartment?”

  Lisa says, “Sir, it was more about meeting John again.”

  “But, he leaves tomorrow?”

  Lisa, “Yes, sir.”

  “I see. So, tell me, if you wrote that, ‘Watching Baby Walk Away’ song. Who is it about?”

  Lisa, “Sir, I’ve always kept that quiet.”

  “Come now. Why keep it a secret.”

  Lisa, “It was about John and I breaking up.”

  Cumberland, “This John? Him?”

  Lisa, “Yes.”

  Cumberland shakes his head, “Well I must say, Commander, this isn’t a good look for you. Your father is an admiral. You’re a legacy. You can’t be cavorting around with a rock star. It looks unprofessional.” He looks at Lisa and smiles, “No
offense.”

  Shocked, Lisa looks to the sea silently. There is nothing she can say.

  John grimaces and squeezes her hand under the table, “Sir, I keep my private life private.”

  Cumberland, “Well yes, but it wouldn’t do to have a wife in black leather putting on your eagles.”

  HAILI’S HAWAIIAN RESTURANT, HONOLULU HI

  1545, 12 December, 1990

  Master Chief Godoy sits in a booth with his wife, Joy, and two daughters Rachel, twelve, and Debra ten.

  Rachel says, “Dad, you’re going to miss my Christmas concert.”

  “I know, honey, but mommy will record it.”

  Rachel adds, “But where will you be when my concert happens? Could you call?”

  “I’ll be underway, Rachel. We might pull in somewhere for Christmas. If we do, I will call.”

  Rachel says, “Daaaaaaad. This sucks. I hate you.”

  Joy says, “Rachel, you do not.”

  “But why does daddy leave all the time? It’s mean.”

  Eric says, “Listen, Rachel. I know it is hard. I can’t say anything to make it easier. I go to sea because I’m a sailor and that is what sailors do. Rachel, my guys need me.”

  Rachel says, “But daddy, we need you too,” her tears flowing.

  “I know pumpkin.”

  Debra says, “Daddy, what if we hide you in the trunk of the car ‘til they’re all gone?”

  He chuckles, “I’ll say this, you’re creative. Kids, I have to go. It will only be six months and then I will be back.” He looks at his wife Joy, “And guys. This will be my last deployment. I’m up for transfer when we get back. How do you all feel about Bremerton, Washington?”

  Rachel says, “Doesn’t it rain all the time?”

  Joy says, “Our friends, the Bonds spent a tour there and really liked it. Do you remember them from when we were in San Diego?”

  Debra says, “Uh huh. Mr. Bond gave me airplane rides all over their house. He is big, big.”

  Eric says, “yeah, he is that. I heard he’s deploying with us. His squadron is on the Carrier. Anyway, girls, I need you two to take care of mommy while I am gone.”

  Still crying, they choke out, “Okay, daddy.”

  RESTAURANT, HALE KOA NAVAL RESORT HOTEL, WAIKIKI HI

  1548, 12 December, 1990

  Cumberland puts his fork down on the dessert plate and picks up his napkin, “Commander, I’m going straight back to the boat. You don’t have to be on board until 0200, but I suggest you be fresh for the Maneuvering Watch at 0730.” He puts his napkin on his plate and stands up.

  “Yes, sir.”

  LONG TERM STORAGE LOT, PEARL HARBOR NAVAL STATION

  1600, 12 December, 1990

  ST1 Michael Brown locks up his soft top jeep and shoulders his back pack. All his earthly belongings are in the bag and his rack on the sub. He looks at his CJ-5 Jeep with its faded red paint and splotches of primer. The lot attendant is waiting in a van. After a minute he shrugs his shoulders and turns to the van.

  The attendant says, “We’ll take good care of her for you.”

  “I know you will. It just struck me. If I don’t come back, who besides a Jeep will miss me?”

  “Your folks I suppose.”

  “Died. Car accident five years ago. My sister has her own life with three kids and a crazy husband. It’s just me.”

  “What’s wrong with her husband?”

  “He’s a bomb squad cop. It’s a bang-up job.”

  The old civil servant startled, laughs and says, “Give me your address. The wife and I’ll write ya. Watch her though. She will angle to get you hitched.”

  He writes down the USS San Francisco’s fleet APO address, “Thank you. You can tell her I tried that once. Didn’t work out.”

  “Where can I drop you?”

  “How about the E-club?”

  “Sure.”

  TIKI BAR ON WAIKIKI

  1635, 12 December 1990

  A large Hawaiian guy serves Lisa and John their drinks. John’s dress uniform is attracting attention and even discrete photos.

  John says, “I’m sorry about him.”

  “John, all he did was tear open the old wound. I was an idiot to turn down all of your proposals.”

  “We were both young and dumb. I have never wanted to interfere with your career.”

  Lisa says, “I know. It is just the Navy. It was, well, it is this huge monolithic structure that seems to consume anyone who is different.”

  “The Navy isn’t one thing. Look, I know you have always been uncomfortable with my job, but it is what I do. Lisa, it is my world, and I am actually really good at it. I am on the command track. I’ll get my own boat in a few years, enjoy the hell out of it. I won’t be a dinosaur like Cumberland.”

  “When the Navy is done with you, what then?”

  “Cumberland is wrong, Lisa. Us being together won’t hurt my career. Even if it did it would be worth it to me.”

  “Do you have a plan B?”

  “Most former officers consult or get boring Government desk jobs. My plan B is the other half of my plan A. Marriage, children, a country house with a white picket fence. I would teach somewhere and write books. I hope to also help a song writer do her thing.”

  “Why didn’t you get married?”

  “Because you said no.”

  “I mean to someone else.”

  He smiles, looking in her eyes, “Because you said no.”

  CHAPTER 3

  PHONE BOX ON SUB WHARF, PEARL HARBOR HI

  1650, 12 December, 1990

  George Cumberland waits for the call to ring through.

  “Hello?”

  “Hi Candace, can I speak with Heather?”

  “George, it is late and a school night.”

  “Candy, we pull out tomorrow. Can’t you put her on for a few minutes.”

  “George, you are the fucking captain of your ship. If you wanted to talk to her you should have called earlier. Just as before, she is not a priority to you, so no. Goodbye.”

  FORT DERUSSEY PARK, WAIKIKI, HI

  1653, 12 December, 1990

  John and Lisa walk, hand in hand across the grass, returning to his car.

  “How many times did I ask?”

  “Twelve, so far.” She smiles, looking deeply into his eyes.

  “Thirteen isn’t a lucky number.”

  “You already know I am not superstitious.”

  “True.” He looks around. There is an older couple in Hawaiian shirts and khaki shorts. The husband is wearing a SLR camera and USMC ball cap, “Hey Marine.”

  Startled, “Sir, yes, sir?” The Marine couple approaches the two and the Marine gives a crisp salute that John returns. “Sorry, sir. I was being inattentive to my salute.”

  John smiles, “I’m shipping out in the morning on a submarine. I didn’t plan this very well, but I was wondering if you could take a couple pictures of my girlfriend and I.”

  Sergeant Major Andy Walker (Retired) says, “I would be honored, sir.”

  “Thank you.” He turns to Lisa, takes both her hands to his chest, “Number thirteen.” He takes a knee, “Lisa Stevenson, will you marry me?”

  “Yes, oh love, finally, yes.”

  “I’m sorry I don’t have a ring.”

  Rose Walker pulls one off her right ring finger, “Use this, Commander.”

  He puts the ring on Lisa’s left ring finger, then stands and faces them toward the Marine with his camera.

  Andy says, “You’re shipping out tomorrow?”

  John, “I am.”

  “We’re here on a Marine reunion. Our Chaplain is here too. Do you want to do the deed?”

  They look at each other, Lisa says, “We can have another with all our family later.”

  John to Andy, “Yes, that would be wonderful.”

  BROW, USS SAN FRANCISCO, SSN711, SUBMARINE WHARF, PEARL HARBOR NAVAL STATION, HI

  1720, 12 December, 1990

  Commander George Cumberla
nd walks quickly up the brow ramp wearing his dress blue uniform and carrying a garment bag.

  The quarterdeck watch passes on the 1MC, “San Francisco, arriving.”

  The security watch, TM2 Scott Kichiro, a short stout Guamanian salutes, “Good evening Captain.”

  Cumberland stops, “Petty officer, you have not asked to see my ID.”

  “Sir, you’re the Captain. I know who you are.”

  “Site the eleventh general order, petty officer.”

  “To be especially watchful at night and during the time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near my post, and to allow no one to pass without proper authority.”

  “You failed to challenge me.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Fucking challenge me.”

  “Yes, sir. Sir, may I see ID, sir.”

  Cumberland presents his ID, “You are on report, petty officer.” He turns on his heel and walks to the forward hatch, steps into the tent covering it and climbs down the ladder.

  Kichiro is silent as the captain leaves. Once he knows Cumberland is down below, he says, “What a fucking ass hole.”

  The deck watch says, “At least your restriction will be while we are underway.”

  “Fuck you man. This is bull shit.”

  HALE KOA PARKING LOT

  1722, 12 December, 1990

  LCDR Greg Backes, carrying Travis, is holding Carol’s hand while they are walking back to their car.

  Carol, “Isn’t that your XO, John?”

  “It is.” They join the two couples, “Hey John.”

  John spins, “Hi Greg. Lisa, Andy, Rose, this is my Navigator, Greg Backes, his wife Carol, and the tired guy is Travis. Greg and company, this is Lisa Stevenson and Rose and retired Sergeant Major Andy Walker.

  Greg, “Is this the Lisa who is borrowing your place.”

  “My fiancé, yes.”

  Carol asks, “Oh my God! When?”

  Lisa, “He just proposed to me for the thirteenth time. Finally, I said yes.”

  “Are you waiting for after deployment then?”

  “For the big wedding, yes, but the Master Sergeant has a chaplain friend.”

  Carol, “Tonight?”

  “Yes.”

  “Ok, we need to rest Travis a bit, but he can be the ring bearer. I know John will want Greg to stand up for him. They have known each other since the Drum.”