Driving Lisa Part 4

[Speed Demon]

Hey guys, this is a new story that I just just wrote. It's differen't from the Em Cal series, but in a way similar. Taker's role is a soldier in the Army turned mob driver... hope you guys like it. I'm not finished with it, as I said, I just started writing. Enjoy.


Las Vegas, 1991

It had been a month since mob boss Nick Piersanti's old driver, Tonno, got killed. He was having no luck finding a new driver. Every person he had interviewed didn't match up to his standards.


"I'm telling you, Gino, I don't know what I'm going to do," Nick said. "That shipment of cocaine is due tomorrow and we need someone to deliver it from here to Baskersfield."


"Why don't you let me take your package there?" Gino suggested


"Please, Gino, you get lost driving up the block," Nick said. "I need someone very competent to deliver it."


Just then, the doors opened. In came a stalwart of a man. He was tall and in his late 20s with bright red hair and a beard just as red, pale freckled skin, and light green eyes. He was an imposing sight.


"Holy Christ!" Nick exclaimed, "did you just get out of the pen or something?


"No," said the man. He had a very deep voice with a hint of a drawl. "I just came home from serving time in Iraq."


"An Army guy huh?" Nick said. "That's good, a man serving his country. But how can we help you?"


"I'm here to see about the position you're offering as a driver." the man said.


Nick and Gino laughed.


"No offense," said Nick, "but you don't look Italian to us, pal."


"My ethnicity shouldn't play a factor in my abilities," the man said.


"Okay, I'm listening," Nick said. "What is it that you can do?"


The man looked Nick dead in the eye. His face was emotioneless. Nick found him unnerving.


"Just know that I always get the job done." he said. "Always."


Nick and Gino looked at each other.


"Okay," Nick said finally. "We've got 100 keys of cocaine coming in tomorrow. We need you to deliver it from here to Bakersfield, California. If you don't screw things up, if you get things done like you say, then you got yourself a slot in your family."


"You won't regret it," the man said.


"I hope not." Nick said. "Now we're going to need to know your name if we're going to employ you."


"You know in the Army, we're identified by our surnames," the man said. "The name's Calaway."


"Okay, Calaway," Nick said. "We'll see you tomorrow."


"Before I depart," Calaway said, "I was wondering if I could get an advance. You see, I'm homeless right now. I'm basically sleeping in my car. I need a place to stay."


"Normally, I don't do that," Nick said. "But you, since you're a soldier, I'm willing to help you out."


He reached in his pockets, pulled out a thick wad of new one hundred dollars bills and gave Calaway four thousand dollars.


"There you go, pal," Nick said. "That should set you up for now. You'll get more when you come back from Bakersfield. Gino, take him to the Desert Inn on the strip. Let him settle down there for the time being."

Gino got up and beckoned Calaway to come with him. Calaway muttered a thanks to Nick and walked away with Gino.......

[BrownEyez]

very interesting so far

[Speed Demon]

2nd chapter. Enjoy.


A year later.....

The sounds of the construction men working outside woke Calaway up with a start. He quickly pulled out a Kimber 1911 from under his pillow and went through his apartment with it at the ready. When he discovered nobody in his apartment, Calaway sighed and wiped sweat from his face.


It had been that way with him for a while now. Every loud bang, or every ticking sound made him think of gun shots or bombs going off and he would relive all of the events that he had endured over the past nine years.

Calaway was part of the Delta Forces, which was short for the U.S. Army's 1st Special Forces Operation Detatchment-Delta, one of the United States' elite counter terrorism and Special Missions Units. The son of a Korean War and Vietnam War vet, Calaway enlisted in the Army in 1983 at the age of 18. He was moved to North Carolina, where he had to go through rigorous, nearly inhuman training. A hundred meter swim fully clothed, 55 push ups in 2 minutes, 62 sit ups in two minutes, and a 45 mile march while carrying a 45 pound rucksack over rough land was one of the many tough tests he had to endure. And not to mention sitting in front of psychologists and the Delta commander himself asking him many questions, trying to mental drain him. But he passed everything they could throw at him. Even the commander commented on him being like a machine. When he had been selected, he had to undergo a 6 month Operation Training Course, where he received a Marksmanship Badge and President's Hundred Tab.

Later that year, he was one of many assigned to Operation Urgent Fury, where the U.S. invaded Grenada. He and other Delta operators had to shimmy down a rope, where they got caught in a crossfire. It was intense. Calaway remembered vividly as he watched a fellow soldier, Haskins get his head blown off. He would never forget that.


He also remembered invading Panama. He had killed 15 Panamian soldiers during the month and a half battle. He had gotten shot in the thigh, ribcage, and arm by one of them, But it was all worth it as Noriega surrendered shortly after and he had received a Purple Heart and Distinguished Service Cross for his efforts.

Calaway showered and shaved. He then put on a white t-shirt, blue jeans, black boots, and a green combat jacket. He then slipped on his gold necklace. with a double eage coin hanging from it. It had been his grandfather's, who passed it down to his father, who passed it down to him. His father gave it to him shortly before he got deployed to Vietnam.


After he dressed, he took his duffle bag and he got into his car, a blue '67 Buick Wildcat. It was his pride and joy. He had did all of the restoring and rebuilding during his summer days in highschool.


He drove to the Maple Tree Cafe. He sat at his favorite table. The waitress, Maggie, a short and squat young woman with short blonde hair and glasses approached him.

"Hello, Mr. Calaway," Maggie said. "How are you this morning?"

"I'm fine, miss, how are you?" Calaway asked.

"Just fine," Maggie said. "Will it be the usual for you?"

"Yes, ma'am," Calaway said.

"Ok, it should be ready in twenty," Maggie said.

"Okay," Calaway said.

"The usual" was the Big Breakfast Special the Maple Tree Cafe offered. It consisted of two sausage links, two strips of bacon, two pieces of maple ham with eggs, potatoes, toast, and maple tree oatmeal and a glass of orange juice. He ate like a horse. He had to. He had to build up his energy for that day. His boss, Nick Piersanti, usually had him traveling to places like Arizona, California, Colorado, and sometimes, the Mexican border. They were long drives.


While Calaway waited for his breakfast, he looked out the window. He liked to watch people. It was like a 24/7 T.V. show with some interesting characters. Some boring too.

Before he knew it, Maggie had set his food on the table. He would become so entranced that he would forget his surroundings sometimes. He was trying to break himself out of that habit. As a soldier, you had to be on your guard for everything.


"Eat well, Mr. Calaway," Maggie said, smiling.

"Thank you Maggie," said Calaway, without returning her smile. He never smiled.

As she walked away, he began to eat voraciously. His mother used to tell him to slow down as a child or he would choke on his food. But somehow, it never happened, that was just the way he ate. However fast an eater, he was a neat eater. He couldn't stand to see some people eat. They would get more food on their face and clothes than in their mouth. Only babies could get away with that, not fully grown adults.


When he was done, he paid Maggie and tipped her before leaving. He was a good tipper. That's probably why Maggie always took his order.


He went to a gym where he changed into his workout gear. Then he went straight to work. It was a must that he did two and a half hours of intense exercise. You had to be in tip top shape if you wanted to be a Delta Force operator. Never knew when he would be called back on duty.

He showered and changed back into his civilian clothes. He then drove to Red Rock Canyon, where he got out of his Wildcat. He would come to Red Rock everyday and walk for an hour. He liked the placidness of the place, with its beautiful rust colored rocks and sandstone peaks. He especially liked walking up Calico Hills. It wasn't like the noisy bustle that came with Las Vegas. He had to get away from it, so he could still have a piece of mind.

When it was time to go, he drove back to Las Vegas. When he hit the Strip he headed to Caesars Palace.


His boss, Nick Piersanti, was a mob boss who had a stake in Caesars Palace. He had been working for Piersanti for a year as a courier and driver. All he had to do was drive things from point A to point B and be on his way.


Calaway really didn't want to become a driver for the mob, but after coming home from Iraq, he was having difficulty finding a job, so there was no other alternative. Somtimes you had to do what the Romans did.

Calaway entered Caesars. He walked into the casino and went into a small room where Nick Piersanti and his crew often frequented. Calaway knocked on the door.

"Enter," said Piersanti's high nasal Jersey accented voice.

Calaway walked in. Nick was sitting at a table with his underboss and capo Carmine.


Nick was short, at least five foot six. He was either in his late 40s or early 50s, but had a headfull of dark brown hair with several streaks of gray. He had a weary looking face, not the type of guy you would think to be one of the most powerful mob bosses in Nevada. He liked people to think he was an average joe. Somehow, people thought he was was.

"Hey, you," Nick said, "you're early. As always. Why don't you hit the slots or play some poker or something?"


"I don't gamble," Calaway said.


"You don't drink, you don't smoke, you don't gamble, what do you do?" Nick asked. "I hope you're getting laid on a regular basis at least."


Gino and Carmine laughed. Calaway's face remained expressionless.


"Jeez, crack a smile!" Nick said. "I've known you for a year and I've never seen you smile or laugh. You're like a freaking stone statue or something."


Calaway merely shrugged.


"But I wanted to see you anyways, Calaway," Nick said. "I have something very important to tell you."


"Okay," Calaway said, "What?"


"As of tomorrow, I won't be needing your services as a driver anymore."

Nick paused to see what Calaway's reaction was. There was none, but he did speak.

"Alright," he said. "May I ask why?"

"I have a sixteen year-old daughter named Lisa," said Nick. "She's becoming a pain in the ass. I need you to drive her to Ohio to her mother and look after her, until she turns 18."

Calaway's face was impassive.

"There's a hundred grand in it for you if you do this," Nick said.

"Fine, I'll do it," Calaway said.


"Protect her with your life," Nick said, "She's the only daughter I have."

"I will," Calaway said.


"Good," Nick said. "Now I've got one more job for you to do before you depart."

He picked up a small brown package and gave it to Calaway.


"Now you be careful with this here," Nick said. "Don't open this, this is very dangerous. When you get to your destination, make sure you ring the doorball and get the hell out of dodge. Here's the address. See you in a bit."

This is great, Calaway thought as he walked to his Wildcat. I'm going to be watching some snot nosed kid for two years. What am I, a babysitter?

He looked at the address on the package. 12870 Sunset Boulevard. It was in Los Angeles, which was three hours away. He carefully set the package down on the passenger's seat and then got inside the car.


3 hours later....

Calaway pulled up next to a Spanish Colonial Style mansion with a well pruned garden in the front. He looked at the number on the door. 12870. This was the place.

He got out of his Wildcat and carefully picked up the package and walked up the cobblestone walkway leading to the door. He carefully placed the package on the porch, rung the doorbell twice, and ran back to his car. He sped off around the corner before someone could answer.

That's what he had been doing for a year. Delivering packages from point A to point B. Be it drugs, guns, bombs, any kind of contraband, he delivered it. So far, had had done his job without incident.

He arrived back in Las Vegas by four fifty-five p.m. He went back to Caesars where he only found Gino, eating a box full of pastries.

"Back so soon?" he said. "Did you deliver the package?"

"Yeah," Calaway said. "12870 Sunset."

"Good," said Gino. "Nick will be happy to know that crooked assed lawyer that got Nick's cousin 25 to life will be spitting up blood within a week and dead the next."

Gino laughed a deep booming laugh.

"Where's Nick?" Calaway asked.

"He went to take care of some business," Gino said. "But he told me to give this to you if you made it back safe."


He took an envelope from his tracksuit pocket and gave it to Calaway.

"Eight thousand dollars." Gino said.

"Thanks," Calaway said.

"Di niente," Gino said. "So do you want to stick around? Shoot the breeze a little?"

"I'd love to," Calaway said. "But I have to get my things ready for tomorrow. I'll be back here by seven."

"Okay," Gino said, "See you later."

Calaway had no intentions of talking to Gino. He was not one to make idle chit chat. He was there to do his job, get paid, and go on about his business.

However, he was not lying about packing up his things. He was going to do that, then fill up his car with fuel, and then fill his stomach with fuel. He wasn't worrying about tomorrow. It hadn't come yet.

[HeiressDy27]

I really like this story good job!

[Speed Demon]

Thanks a bunch, guys. Here's chapter 3

Calaway drove to his apartment building. He knocked on his landlord's door. A few seconds later, a heavyset 40ish man with shaggy gray hair and beard answered.

"What is it, Calaway?" he said in a gruff voice.

"I'm letting you know that I'll be moving out tomorrow," Calaway said. "I'm giving you next month's rent."

He handed the landlord the money.

"Enjoy the rest of your night." Calaway muttered as he headed to his apartment.

As soon as he got into his apartment, he took his ruck sack and put all of his valuables in there. He didn't own many things, but the things he did own, they had some sort of value to him; his uniform, his badges, his father's uniform and badges, his guns, and old photos of him and his parents. He put them at the bottom of his ruck sack and put his clothes over them.

After he finished packing, he did his pre bed rituals; two hundred and fifty push ups and a hot shower. He lay in bed until somnolence engulfed him.

Suddently, he was surrounded by men in military uniforms. They were in a hot scorching desert firing at six men dressed in black and wearing kaffiyahs. Calaway shot down the one nearest him.

"Holy shit!" said Lieutenant Chambers. "They've got a grenade launcher!"

Calaway and some of the Delta Force operators took shelter at a fort as the Iraqis started firing the grenades. There was a loud deafening explosion. Calaway saw two of his comrades blown in the air. Two Iraqis were moving in. Calaway shot them down. The third Iraqi fired another grenade. It came right at Chambers. Calaway watched in horror as Chambers was blown up. His mind went into free fall.


Calaway awoke with a yelp. His whole body was glistening with sweat and he seemed to have his breath caught in his chest. It took a minute to get his breathing back under control. He looked around. He groaned and headed to the bathroom, where he took a leak and threw cold water onto his face. He went back to his bedroom. He sat on the tip of his bed and turned the T.V. on and watched it until the sun rose.

He showered and dressed and headed to the casino. He went into the back room. Nick was there with a teenage girl.

The girl was average height with reddish brown hair that fell to the middle of her back. She had peach colored skin and her eyes were green like Calaway's but they were a shade darker. She would have been pretty if she didn't have a stony look on her face.

"There you are, Calaway," Nick said. "This is my beautiful daughter, Lisa. Say hi, Lisa."

"Hi," Lisa said in a huffy tone.

"Now, Calaway, here's the address where her mother lives, here's a map, and here's the money."

Nick gave Calaway a suitcase.

"Now you take care of her," Nick said. "Or I'll hunt you down."

"Sure," said Calaway. He looked at the address on the paper. It read 340 East Grand Street, Lisbon, Ohio.

"Call me when you arrive in Ohio," Nick said. "That way I'll know you made if safe."

"Okay," Calaway said. He looked at Lisa and said, "Ready?"

"I have no other choice, do I?" Lisa snapped.

"Hey!" Nick said. "You watch your tone when you're talking to grown ups! You're not too old to get a belt across your ass!"

"Whatever" Lisa muttered, "Let's go."

Calaway lead Lisa to the car. Lisa dropped her bags and said. "This is your car?"

"Yeah," Calaway said. "Get in."

"Are you kidding?" said Lisa, "I'm not getting in that old car! I thought you were riding in a Mercedes Benz. All the money Daddy's paying you, you can't afford a new car? Are you cheap or something?"

"Listen, little girl, just shut up and get in the car," Calaway said.

"I am not a little girl!" said LIsa indignantly. "I don't know who you think you are talking to me like that. you want me to go back in there and get Daddy?"

"I don't give a damn if you do," said Calaway coldly. "And do you pay bills, mortgage or have a job or your own place? No you don't! You are a child, so stay your ass in a child's place and watch how you speak to me. I'm going to say this one more time. Get in the car. Now."

Lisa gave Calaway a look of deep resentment before getting inside the car.

"Fasten your seatbelt," Calaway said, as he started up the car. "Don't want you flying through the window on my watch."

"Can you turn the radio on?" Lisa asked

"Sorry, only AM stations," said Calaway as the pulled off.

"Well does it take tapes?" Lisa asked.

"No," Calaway said. "This is an old model car."

"I have to listen to music when I'm in the car." Lisa said.

"Too bad," Calaway said. She was really starting to get on his nerves.

"Oh my God!" Lisa said. "I have to go hours without listening to music? This sucks!"

This is just great, Calaway thought sourly. I have to deal with this shit, this irritating as little girl. Thanks a lot, Nick!

Calaway smelled smoke. He turned to see Lisa smoking a cigarette.

"What the hell are you doing?" hemanded.

"Well, I have to have something to do, don't I?" Lisa said.

"Put that shit out!" said Calaway.

"You're not the boss of me, you know." said Lisa, blowing smoke in his face.

Calaway took the cigarette from her mouth and threw it out the window.

"Hey!" Lisa exclaimed. "What did you do that for, you jerk?!"

"You don't blow in my smoke, ever, you hear me?! Calaway said. "And you shouldn't smoke, it's not lady like."

"But it's okay for you guys to do it?" Lisa said. "It's okay for men to smoke, drink, cuss, and sleep around, but when a woman does all of those things, it's frowned upon?" Give me a break!"

Calaway tuned her out for the rest of the drive until they got to Utah.

"I have to go to the bathroom," Lisa said.

"Next rest stop is half a mile," Calaway said. "You can use the bathroom there."

"Well, drive faster," said Lisa. "I really have to go."

Calaway pulled into Phillips 66 gas station.

"Alright, go inside to use the bathroom," he said. "I'm timing you, you have five minutes."

Lisa got out of the car and slammed the door as she went inside.

"And don't slam my door!" Calaway shouted after her.


20 Minutes Later....

Lisa was taking too long. Calaway got out of the Wildcat and went inside the shop. He looked around the shop. There was no Lisa in sight.

"May I help you with something," said the cashier.

"Yeah, did you happen to see a young lady come in here about this tall? asked Calaway, putting his hand to his stomach.

"Yes, she went out through the back there." said the cashier, pointing to a door next to an arcade game.

"You've got to be kidding me," Calaway muttered as he got back into his car and drove around the gas station. He drove around for a good few minutes when he spotted Lisa. He sped up until he was at level with her. He got out of the Wildcat and started to run after her.

He gaught her and grabbed her. She kicked and screamed as Calaway hoisted her over his shoulder and took her to the car.

"Get- off- of - me!" she shouted as she punched him in the back. "I hate you!"

This didn't faze Calaway, he put her in the car and said, "Listen you little brat, you're trying my patience! If you want to stay on my good side, I suggest you behave yourself."

He fastened her seatbelt before saying, "I hope you enjoyed your little bathroom break, because that was your last one."

He walked around to get in the car. Lisa unbuckled her seatbelt, went to the driver's seat and locked the car door. Calaway went to open his car door. He couldn't.

"Open the door!" he roared. "Open the damn door, you hear me?!"

Lisa gave a smug smile and wagged her finger.

"I'm not playing with you!" Calaway said. "Open the door!"

Then Calaway remembered something; During his OTC training, he was taught how to break into locks. He returned the smug smile before he jimmied the lock. Lisa's face fell.

"Nice try." he said as they drove off.

Lisa did nothing but glare.

It was nightfall by the time they reached Colorado. Calaway settled in Greeley. He pulled into the Sundown Motel. Lisa, who had thankfully stayed quiet, took one look at the motel and scoffed.

"Are you serious?" she said. "I am not sleeping in some sleezy motel. Take me to Days Inn or the Four Seasons. Now."

"First off, there ain't no Days Inn or Four Seasons around here," said Calaway, "second, you don't command me to do what you want."

"Well you're nothing but a glorified chauffeur anyway." Lisa snapped.

Calaway's face turned bright red. His eyes turned a darker shade of green and he bared his teeth. It was beyond frightening.

"Don't you ever call me that again," he said in a low and deadly voice. "I am an American soldier, I am not your chauffeur, you will respect me. You are a minor, not a grown up. If you disrespect me throughout this road trip, I promise you will regret it, little girl."

"Are you threatening me?" Lisa asked. "Because I can call Daddy and have him down here faster than you can blink!"

As she pulled out her mobile phone, Calaway snatched it and slammed it on the dashboard, until he shattered it into a million pieces.

"You asshole!" Lisa said shrilly. "How could you destroy my phone?!"

"Until you learn to stop doing things I don't like, I'm going to keep doing things you don't like," said Calaway. "Now come on."

Calaway checked the both of them into a room. He and Lisa settled in.

"I'm going to take a shower if you don't mind." said Lisa

"Go right ahead," Calaway said.

Lisa went inside the bathroom, slamming the door behind her.

"Don't slam the door!" Calaway shouted.

Lisa opened the door and slammed it again.

"I'm warning you!" he shouted

Calaway collapsed onto one of the beds. He had a migraine. He just hoped he made it to Ohio without throttling Lisa.

[Speed Demon]

Calaway rose before the sun did. He took a shower and put on a turquoise Gold's Gym tank top, beige jeans, and white Reebok pumps. He then shook Lisa awake.

"C'mon Lisa, wake up, time to go," He said. "C'mon, I ain't got all day, get up!"

Lisa mumbled a few choice words at Calaway before she got up and dressed.

Calaway checked out of the motel. As Lisa got in the car, she slammed the door.

"I'm going to say this once more," Calaway started. "Stop slamming my goddamn door!"

"Okay, okay!" Lisa said, "Sheesh!"

As they were pulling off, Lisa said. "Listen, I'm starving, can we get something to eat?"

"Sure," said Calaway curtly.

Calaway found a diner at the edge of Greeley. Lisa scoffed.

"You couldn't get us any breakfast at a five star restaurant?" she asked.

"There aren't any around this area," said Calaway, trying his best not to grit his teeth.

"Daddy only takes me to the finest places to eat," said Lisa. "Not some greasy spoon."

"Well, I'm not your Daddy." Calaway said. "Listen, it's too early in the damn morning for your bullshit. You're going to gi in there, eat your breakfast, and you're going to like it. Got it?"

"No, I don't have it!" Lisa shouted. "Who're you to tell me what to do?"

"Well, I'm going to be looking after you until you're 18, so I guess I do have the authority to tell you what to do," Calaway said. "Let's go."

They walked inside the diner. It looked like one of those diners you saw in the movies. Very plain vanilla. But the vibe Calaway got from it was stunning. Not to mention the delicious smells. It was a nice nostalgic smell. Like of his mom's cooking.


Calaway and Lisa sat in a booth. A young waitress with curly red hair and light blue eyes approached them.

"Hi, my name is Maddie, I'll be you waitress, here's your menus."

"I'll have the banana pancakes with apple juice." said Lisa.

"I'll have the country fried steak with the cream gravy and biscuit and some orange juice," Calaway said.

Maddie wrote down their orders and walked away. Calaway looked out the window, watching cars drive by.

"Hey," Lisa started. "You said you're going to be looking after me, until I'm 18?"

"That's affirmative," Calaway said, still looking out the window."

"I don't even know your name," Lisa said.

"Calaway," Calaway answered.

"Calaway?" Lisa repeated. "Where'd your parents get a name like that?"

"It's my last name," Calaway said.

"Well then, what's your first name?" Lisa asked.

"You don't need to know that," Calaway said.

"I guess I'm going to have to if you're going to be looking after me," Lisa said.

"Look, just drop it," Calaway said. "My name is Calaway, and that's how you will address me."

"Okay, Calaway," said Lisa, contemptously.

Their food arrive. Calaway ate his food quickly and downed his orange juice. He watched as Lisa ate her pancakes. She was a sloppy eater. Pancake crumbs were on the table and she had syrup smeared on her face. Calaway watched in amazement and disgust.

When they were finished, the two of them walked out of the diner. Calaway gave Lisa a damp cloth to wipe her mouth with.

"That was a great breakfast," Lisa said.

"Glad to hear," said Calaway. "Let's get to Ohio."

Calaway drove non stop without incident. They were in Missouri by the evening time.

Calaway saw that his car was nearly on E. He pulled into a gas station. The attendant approached him.

"Fill it up premium," said Calaway.

"Listen, do you have some money so I can get me some chips or something?" Lisa asked.

Calaway pulled out a twenty dollar bill and handed it to Lisa.

"Don't you dare try to escape again." Calaway warned.

"Whatever," Lisa said as she shut the door and went across the street.

Calaway watched her go inside the store. He timed her.

He had paid for gas and she still didn't come back. It didn't take that damn long to buy chips. He warned her not to try to escape, but the little brat didn't listen. He drove across the street. That's when he heard a loud piercing scream. A young girl's scream. Calaway reached in his duffle bag and got out a Beretta M9. He went inside.

There were two men, armed and masked were in the store. One had his gun aimed at the store clerk, the other held Lisa hostage, the gun aimed at her head. Tears were falling rapidly down her face.

When Calaway walked in, the one who had his gun aimed at the clerk, aimed his gun at Calaway.

"You picked the wrong time to come in here, Opie." he said. "Now get on the ground, unless you want to be six feet under.

Calaway, who had been in worse predicaments wasn't intimidated by these two assholes. He was a soldier, a stalwart. These two idiots were nothing. He could take them.

He looked at the gunman with his stoic stair and said coldly, "I'm afraid it's you who picked the wrong day to come in here. You've got two options. You're going to hand over that girl and I leave quietly, or you disobey that and I beat the living shit out of the both of you."

Through the ski mask, the gunman sneered and said to the other gunman, "You hear that? He's going to beat the living shit out of us. We're so scared."

Calaway took the opportunity to draw his gun while the gunmen ridiculed him and fired at the gunman three times, hitting him in the kneecaps and shoulder. The gunman fell to the floor, shouting obscentities as he went. The second gunman threw Lisa to the floor and started firing at Calaway, but he missed every shot. Calaway did a risky move. He ran at the gunman while he was still firing at him and tackled him to the ground. He wrestled with the gunman for a few seconds before wringing the gun out of his hands and discarding it. He then started pummeling the gunman until the gunman was unconscious.

"Calaway, look out!" Lisa cried. Calaway, spun around. The gunman fired at Calaway, grazing him in the leg. Calaway let out a short startled cry, but he stomped on the gunman's hand that held the gun. The gunman cried out. Calaway in his anger didn't feel the pain of the bullet graze. He lifted the gunman up and threw him through the window, sending glass flying everywhere.

Calaway hobbled over to Lisa, who was covering over in a corner of the store.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"Yes, I'm fine," Lisa said, her voice coming out shaky. "You're hurt."

Calaway shrugged and said, "It's only a graze. Just need some bandages and I'll be good to go."


"There's some in the third aisle," Lisa said. "I'll get them.

"While Lisa went to get the bandages, Calaway pulled some money out of his pocket and handed it to the clerk.

"Five thousand dollars, sir," he said. "That should cover all of the damages and revenue losses you've suffered today."

"Thanks, alot, sonny," the clerk said. "You're a lifesaver."

"It's nothing," Calaway said. "It's my job to protect."

Lisa came from the third aisle and paid for the bandages. The two left the store. Lisa did an unexpected thing when they got outside. She grabbed Calaway and hugged him tight.

"I was so scared back there, Calaway," she said. "I thought they were going to kill me. You saved my life. Thank you so much."

"It's no problem," Calaway said.

"I'm sorry for giving you such a hard time through the ride," Lisa said. "I was mad at Daddy, and I didn't know you well. Can you forgive me?"

"Sure," Calaway said. He took her hand and put it in his hands. "I forgive you."

"Really?" Lisa said. "I was a bitch to you, and it wasn't really fair to you."

"That's fine, Lisa," Calaway said. "Life is too short for that nonsense. You did what you did and you can't take it back. But I forgive you, so let's move on."

"Can I put the bandage around your leg?" Lisa said. "I took a nursing course for extra credit in school and they taught me how to wrap them."

"Go ahead," said Calaway.

Lisa cleaned the wound before applying the bandages. When she was done, Calaway looked down and nodded in approval.

"Good job, kid," he said.

"Thank you," said Lisa, smiling. The effect made her really pretty. "It's the least I could do."

The both of them got back inside the car. Lisa closed the door gently when she got in.

Calaway can I ask you something?" Lisa asked as Calaway pulled out of the store lot.

"Yeah, what?" Calaway asked.

"I'm in no hurry to get to Ohio," Lisa said. "Is it okay if we can explore?" When Daddy takes me places, he never lets me take the time to take in anything. He's very impatient."

"Sure," Calaway said. "But don't you want to eat anything first?" It's been hours since breakfast."

"I am kind of hungry," said Lisa. "Anywhere is fine, I promise I won't fuss this time. Those banana pancakes were delicious."

Calaway drove to Columbia, Missouri. He pulled into the parking lot of a red and white diner with a red 50s modeled car designed to look as if it went into the diner.

"What is this place?" Lisa asked.

"63 Diner," Calaway said. "Opened four years ago. It has a nice 50ish vibe to it. Came here while on vacation from the service. Very good food."

Calaway held the door open for Lisa before entering himself. The floors were fixed with pink and black tiles. The minute you walked in, you saw a huge Betty Boop standout. All sorts of 50s relics hung from the ceiling. And they even had a juke box, which was playing 'In The Still Of The Night' by the Five Satins.

"What do you think?" Calaway asked as a waitress found them a booth.

"It's pretty neat," Lisa said. "I like it."

"Glad to hear it," Calaway said.

Lisa Looked at the menu. She was unsure about what to order.

"There's so many things I could choose from," she said.

"Order whatever you want," Calaway said. "I've got plenty of money."

Calaway looked through the menu. He ordered the ham and beans with the grilled corn cakes and salad and a Cherry Coke. When Lisa was ready to order, she ordered the loaded cheddar burger with fries and a Chocolate Coke.

"Out of all of the things you could've ordered." Calaway started as the waitress walked away, "you order a burger. You could've gotten that at McDonald's."

"Yeah, true, but McDonald's hamburgers are processed," said Lisa. "The burgers here are homemade."

"Good assessment." said Calaway.

"Yeah," Lisa said. "So you served time in the Army?" I remember you saying something about being a soldier."

"Yeah, I served in the Army," Calaway said.

"What division?" Lisa asked.

Calaway looked at her and said. "I'm not at liberty to tell you that."

"How come?" Lisa asked.

"Well really, I don't like too many people to know that I'm in the Army," Calaway said.

"Why do you like being so mysterious?" Lisa asked.

"Because I don't like being an open book for people to read. That's how you become predictable and people take advantage of you."

"I just want to get to know you better," Lisa said.

"You will," Calaway said. "Just not when it comes to my time in the Army."

"Ok, no problem," Lisa said. "So, where you from?" I noticed that you have a drawl kind of."

"Houston, Texas," Calaway said. "Born there. I was a military brat, because my daddy was in the Army as well. I've lived in Tennessee, Florida, New Jersey, and Arizona as a kid."

"Sounds similar to my childhood," Lisa said. "I've lived in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida. That's because my father had us moving from place to place, because he never feels content in one spot."

"Yeah, it's tough," Calaway said. "But at the same time, it's a great experience. You get to explore things that are new."

"You're right," Lisa said. "Out of all of the states I lived in, I liked Florida the best. We lived in West Palm Beach and it was so nice out there. It was dirty and congested like the Tri-States."

"I lived in Hollywood, Florida for about two years," Calaway said. "Nice and peaceful. I loved it down there. I wanted to go to the beach nearly every day. I loved Panorama."

The food finally came. Calaway didn't want the conversation to end on the account of the food being there.

"So, how do you like school?" he asked her.

"Oh, I absolutely love it," Lisa said. "I was a bit nervous about this year, because I didn't think I would pass my classes. The subjects are extra hard like chemistry and calculus. But I passed all of them this semester."

"You must be an exceptionally bright student." Calaway said. "Anything you want to be or do once you graduate?"

"Well, I want to become a doctor," said Lisa, biting on a French Fry. I always wanted to be a doctor. I had the toy medical equipment and I would always play Doctor. I don't like seeing people hurt or sick. I want to help people and heal them."

"That's a wonderful thing," Calaway said. "There needs to be more people like you in the world."

"You know you're the only person who asked me about school and my hopes and dreams." said Lisa. "My father doesn't even ask me those things. We rarely talk. Only when he's yelling at me for something I did."

"That's unfortunate," Calaway said. "A parent should take the time to converse with their kids, so they could know what's going on with them.

"Yes, it's been like that for years," said Lisa. "He cares about what he does more than me. He takes me places occassionally and gives me money, but I want more than just that. I want his love and attention."

It was weird how Calaway couldn't stand Lisa when he first encountered her, but now he was sitting here with her, having a conversation with her. He rarely had conversations with people, let alone teenagers. He didn't know why he felt so comfortable talking to her.

After they finished eating, Calaway paid, tipped, and then left.

"What landmark do you want to see?" Calaway asked.

"Is a bed possible?" Lisa asked. "I don't know why, I feel super sleepy."

"Ain't nothing, you're just food drunk." Calaway said.

"What's that?" Lisa asked.

"That's when you get really sluggish and lazy after having a big meal." Calaway said.

"That's exactly how I feel," Lisa said.

"C'mon, we'll find a motel to sleep in." Calaway said.

There was a motel about 10 miles away. Calaway check himself and Lisa into the motel. Lisa had fallen asleep in the car, so he carried her up the stairs along with his and her belongings. He carefully laid her on the bed and removed her shoes. He took his shower and changed into his night clothes. He wasn't sleepy, so he turned on the T.V. Platoon was on. Suddenly, Calaway wasn't in the motel room. He was back in Grenada, listening to the loud deafening explosions, bullets flying everywhere. Calaway was taking cover in the bushes, trying desperately not to get hit. Three Grenadian soldiers ran past. Calway killed the three of them. He then ran up further and saw that one of his comrades, Tanner, had gotten hit. He hoisted Tanner on his shoulders and took him to safety. Five Delta Force operators were fighting with Grenadian soldiers. Calaway joined his comrades in a fierce battle, but they were outnumbered. It was a fight to the death. Chaos was everywhere. Calaway was about to join his father in death.....

"Calaway?"

Lisa's voice bought Calaway back to reality. Calaway was on his knees sweating bullets.

"Are you okay?" Lisa asked. Genguine concern was on her face.

"Yes, I'm fine," Calaway said.

"You don't look it," Lisa said. "You were yelling. "You're all pale and sweaty."

"I'll be fine, Lisa," Calaway said, getting to his feet. "Thank you for your concern, hon, go back to sleep.

As Lisa got back into bed, Calaway took off his tank top, which was soaked to the bone with sweat. He went into the bathroom and dried himself off with a towel. Then he splashed cold water on his face. He then climbed into his bed. He looked over at Lisa. She looked really peaceful, like an angel. Part of Calaway wanted to walk over to her and kiss her on the forehead, but he decided against it. It was weird, how badly he wanted to strangle her one minute, now wanted to kiss her the next minute. Why were humans weird like that?

"Life is too damn enigmatic," muttered Calaway before drifting off to sleep.