The Retirement

The young officer was busy looking around the restaurant and wasn’t paying any attention to the man next to him. The old man was tanned, with a full head of hair that was gray around his temples. His full beard was grayer than his hair, and he wore a pair of wire-rimmed glasses he looked over when he spoke. His smile oozed charm, and Brandi was laughing at his every word. Fred took a deep breath and walked out the two-way door from the kitchen.

“Brandi, hon, your mother needs you. I’ll take care of these gentlemen.”

Brandi looked up at her grandfather, still laughing at something the man said. “Sure thing, Grandpa.”

Brandi walked away, leaving Fred with the customers. Fred stepped up to the naval officer and asked, “How are you today, Commander Kingston?”

“Huh? Oh, fine, sir—” Kingston stopped when he realized he’d been called by name and blinked back at the old Indian in open shock.

“The name’s on your name tag, son. I’m not psychic,” said Fred. “I do know you’re looking for someone, though.”

Kingston’s look remained serious. “And I bet you know where to find her, old man?”

Fred held the young man’s gaze, deciding that his attitude was defensive rather than malicious. He looked down at the untouched plate of cherry pie. “Something wrong with my daughter’s pie, Commander?”

Kingston looked down at his food, as though he’d forgotten it was there, and instantly picked up a fork. “No, sir, I’m just a little preoccupied at the moment.”

Fred allowed the hint of a smile to cross his face. “Look to your right, Commander. Do you see the gentleman by the door over there?”

Kingston did as he was told and recognized the older man standing there. He looked back at Fred. “He looks familiar. What about him?”

Fred picked up the untouched pie, grabbing the fork out of Kingston’s hand while he was at it, and took a bite. For a few seconds, the commander only stared, flabbergasted by the old Indian’s audacity.

“I recommend,” said Fred, preparing to take another bite, “taking a casual walk to the exit where that man’s standing. Don’t do anything to arouse the media hounds out here; they’re already watching you because of the uniform. A nice walk over to that door, and my friend can reunite you and the woman you’re looking for.”

Kingston maintained eye contact with Fred as he lifted himself off the stool and backed away from the counter. He slowly turned, walking to where Putnum stood by the door. Putnum knocked softly, and the door opened. The two men disappeared, the door closing behind them. With that settled, Fred turned to face the man who had been flirting with his granddaughter. He took another bite of the pie.

“Well, that was mysterious,” said the man, an interested look on his face. “How would I find out where the commander went?”

“It’s no mystery, Commander Samcevic,” answered Fred with a grin. “Just depends on why you’re here.”

Fred continued to eat the pie Kingston left behind. Walt Samcevic carefully looked the old Indian over. A cautious smile crept onto his face. “I don’t have a name tag on. That would make you clairvoyant, or you’ve read one or more of my books. What do I call you? If I call you ‘Chief,’ I could be accused of being racist.”