Thread: A Subtle Induction (James London & Ariamella)

Jackson, Wyoming was typical small town America. You couldn't spit without hitting a building or several. Yet, unlike most small towns, Jackson was a thriving tourist destination as it served as a gateway to the Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and National Elk Refuge. Though the town itself only hosted close to ten thousand souls. Compared to Miami, Jackson was quaint and serene, his own personal refuge. As sheriff his worst fear was the occasional drunk tourist or rowdy local, as opposed to a barrage of lead. He may still wear his vest, but at least he didnt have to pop anxiety pills anymore. Well, at least now when he took them it wasnt because of having lived in Miami. The silence between him and Kylie was deafening, the rapid thuds of Masons heart competed with the growl of the engine, for occupation of his ears. More than two decades separated them. At nineteen the man followed his best friend in joining the Army, while she was sent to live with him on charges that he suspected were at best over dramatized. A subject they had common ground would prove difficult, as the man didnt keep up with the Kardashians and still listened to vinyl. I'm Mason and the reason why you don't have a father, but I'm sure we'll grow close as kin all the same. How about the weather we're having? The venom drenched words rang through his head. With a frown he kept his end of the quietude. Still he rather liked having her around, she was the spark that rekindled his sense of purpose. Much to his chagrin, Mason was startled by Kylie's laugh, he just sighed and shaked his head. Grab something to eat, he asked and looked around the trunk using his rear view mirror, Sorry there's nothing here to grab and eat. The older man chuckled at what he thought to be a funny joke, only to stop mid laugh and cough. While not a dad, he knew a dad joke when he heard one, but more importantly he wasn't her father. All he knew was she was a promise he planned on keeping. I'll treat you to a restaurant foodies love and just happens to be my favorite restaurant. He didn't know what foodies were, but he heard his younger officers use it, so he figured it gave him some semblance of being hip. Ever the gentlemen, Mason opened Kylie's car door and the door that led to Big Griff's Soda Shop. As the name implied it was 1950s inspired polished checkerboard floors, red booths, a black bar top with red stools, a jukebox, and all. As they waited for one of uniformed waitresses , he whisper a curse at the sight of a younger man at the bar, who happened to turn around spying him and the girl. He prayed the young man wouldn't do anything stupid, but he knew the man too well to not do something stupid. The man grinned from ear to ear and gave him a knowing wink, before turning back to the bar. Is it just you two, inquired a honey sweet voice, follow me. The older man snapped out of it and realized that Sarah, a cute brunette was waiting for them to follow her. He and Sarah first dated when he came to town, and like the few relationships after theirs, it didn't work out. Once seated and having made their orders, Mason glanced over at Kylie, having some time to kill before they were served. Keen on not repeating the drive from the restaurant, he was the first to spoke. I don't know if Courtney told, but here it goes. The older man sighed and stared into her eyes. Kylie, when John died, he paused a frown on his lips , When your father died I made a promise to him. I promised that I would help look after you. A promise I wasn't able to keep up till now. His frown grew larger, but he continued on. While I don't believe in what Courtney told me, I just want you to know that if you ever need help I'm here for you. He knew it would take some time for her to believe him, but she had a right to know her father's last wish and his vow. His confession Sarah came back with their order and refill for his coke, him ordering a cheeseburger with fries.