Let's Make a Deal (Bob and Nikki Book 11), стр. 55
“It shouldn’t be easy, Caveman. If it ever gets easy, you need to walk away.”
“So, I’m doing okay, so far?”
“You’re doing fine, Caveman. Look how far you’ve come, and how quickly. Think how good you’ll be at this after you’ve been at it for awhile.”
“You’re right, I just worry I’m going to screw up, and get someone hurt.”
“That’s understandable. You have serious responsibilities. But I think you need to take a break. Let’s find our daughter, and my dog, and play some Frisbee.”
“Best offer I’ve had all day.”
“Just wait, I can do better.”
“Really?”
“Time and place for everything, Horndog!”
“Yes, Ma’am.” I asked Gene, “Where could we find Janet?”
“I could ask her to join you for Frisbee, if you like.”
“It would be better if we were to ask her if she wants to, I think.”
“I can take you to her, if you want to catch the transit.”
We got aboard, and Gene took care of it. I asked, “Gene, is something bothering you?”
“No, Boss. I’m just trying to figure out how your interactions with Janet are supposed to work.”
“Likewise, I’m sure. She’s old enough to have her own goals, and things she needs to do. We have to respect that, while at the same time letting her know we care about her, and we’ll be there if she needs help. Mrs. Wilson probably has a better idea than me of how to make that work, but I’m wandering around in the dark.”
Nikki said, “Just because of Jimmis, you think I know something about taking care of a teenager? If I see him twice a month, that’s a good month. I haven’t made it back to see him in quite a while, now. Maybe we should ask my Mom, she might know something that would help.”
“Feel free. I don’t think she would be liable to tell me anything that would help.”
“I will, the next time I talk to her. I’m curious what Gene was worried about, though.”
Gene said, “You two are responsible for her care now, correct?”
Nikki replied, “Yes, Gene, we are. Is there something we should know?”
“That is what I’m trying to figure out, Ma’am.”
I asked, “You don’t know whether you should say something, or let her have her privacy?”
“Exactly, Boss.”
“Is she in physical danger?”
“No, Boss.”
“Why would you think we needed to know about something, then.”
“She is engaging in behavior I’m not sure is age-appropriate, Boss.”
“By herself, or with someone else?”
“With someone, Boss.”
I asked Nikki, “You did make sure she had a contraceptive implant, didn’t you?”
She replied, “Yes, I did.”
“Gene, is what she is doing consensual?”
“Yes, Boss.”
“Divert us to the bay where we play Frisbee, and whistle up Snitz.”
“Yes, Boss.”
Nikki asked, “Why did you do that, Bob?”
“It’s bad enough that we know she is doing something we might not approve of. No need to make it worse by catching her at it.”
“You’re willing to let it slide?”
“She’s not going to be perfect. She needs enough privacy to figure out who she is. The best we’re going to be able to do, is be there to help her pick up the pieces when she makes mistakes.”
“Every time I think I have you figured out, Caveman, you go and act all grown-up.”
“Sorry to be a problem, Ma’am.”
“No, you’re not. Not even a little bit.”
“You could be right.” We got to the bay, and Snitz was waiting. We found a Frisbee, and had a good time. Gene came over the speaker. “Boss, Janet wants to know where you are. Should I tell her?”
“Of course, Gene. You should always tell her where we are, when she asks.”
“Still learning, Boss.”
“Keep at it, Gene. You’ll get it.”
Janet came into the bay and said, “Playing Frisbee without me, huh? I see how you guys are.”
I replied, “We were going to ask you to join us, but Gene said you were busy.”
She turned red. “Oh, that. Milly and I were just discussing what to do when we see Charlie again.”
I asked, “Why, did he do something he shouldn’t have?”
“No, Dad. We just can’t seem to get his attention.”
“Why do you say that?”
“He hasn’t asked either one of us to make out, yet.”
“Charlie is kinda old-fashioned. You may have to give him a little more time. He comes around to talk to you when he’s aboard, doesn’t he?”
“Well, yes.”
“Do you think he would go to the trouble, if he wasn’t interested?”
“I suppose not.”
“You just need to have a little patience, Janet. Charlie is trying to figure out how to do all this too, you know.”
“Okay, Dad. Throw me that Frisbee, and quit trying to make me think so much.” We played awhile, and Nikki got tired. Janet put the Frisbee away, and we went to the galley to get a cool drink. On the way, my comm rang. “Commodore Wilson.”
“Commodore, it’s Ambassador Dressi. His Imperial Majesty is ready to sign the agreements we worked out. Would it be possible for you to come to His Majesty’s yacht?”
“Would I be permitted an escort?”
“His Majesty said you could have as many Marines as it takes to make you feel comfortable.”
“I’ll be over shortly, then. Give His Majesty my regards, and thank him for his kind invitation.”
“I’ll do that, Commodore. See you soon.”
“See you.”
As soon as the connection dropped, I commed Scotti. “Yes, Boss?”
“Is there any way for the Squirrels to override the Marines programming?”
“Boss, I’ve been through their systems three times, I can’t find any way for them to be turned against you. Pete has had me working on it.”
“What you’re saying is that Pete is convinced it exists, but you have yet