Page 71 of Fight
"Yeah.Oddly enough, I knew when he shook my hand.Physical contact seems to make it easier for me to tell a lot of things.If I don't touch someone, it takes longer though."
"That's good to know though, in the future we can just find a reason for you to shake someone's hand, then you don't have to spend a of couple hours in their company."
I nodded, agreeing.
Reece stepped inside, a smile still on his face.
"All right, we're almost ready to go!"He said."Just a couple more things.Have either of you ever been on a boat or the ocean before?"
Devon nodded, but I shook my head.
"That's fine."Reece continued."The sound's not quite the same as the open ocean but the way the water moves is much the same.It’s a little choppy today, so the ride might get a little bumpy, especially when we're moving at a good clip, just so you're aware.You can move around and look at things, just remember to hang on, the floor moves on a boat and you're not used to that."We both nodded."And the last thing is life jackets.We shouldn't need them but in case we do, they're under the seat you're sitting on.Just lift the seat and pull them out."He paused for a second."Any questions?"I shook my head and looked at Devon to see if he was going to ask anything but he shook his head too.
"Nope, I think we're good."Devon said.
"All right, if you have any questions or need to stop for any reason, don't hesitate to ask."Reese turned to the controls and started the boat.
Several hours later we returned to the dock.Devon helped Reese tie the boat up, before holding out one hand and helping me out.He held onto me for a few moments as I got used to the ground not moving beneath me.We thanked Reece for the wonderful tour and went back to the hotel to get ready for the wedding.
Back at the hotel, Devon headed for the shower, eager to wash the salt off his skin.I dug my PCD out of my bag and dialed Bill.
"Hello?"It was a familiar voice, but it wasn't Bill.
"Gabriel?"I asked.
"Yes, Ma'am.What can I do for you Nickie?"
"Is Bill around?"
"He just came in, hold on a second."More distantly, as if he was holding the device away and speaking to someone else, I heard him say "It's Nickie."A moment later Bill's voice came across the line.
"Nickie?How are things going up there?"He asked.
"Good.We met with the local Anikitos yesterday.He said to tell you he'd be in touch about that hunting trip."
Bill chuckled."That's good to know, anything else?"
"Yes, sir.We met with Reece Donovan this morning."
"And?"He prompted.
"And I'm pretty sure I can do it."
"Good, good."Bill replied."I'll make arrangements for Alexis to come up tomorrow and set up another meeting with Warren for Monday. You're going to need to talk to him, before you do this."
"I understand.Though I'd like to let Reece make his decision before we bring Mr.Ridges into it."
"I know you would, but we need to do it this way.It could cause a lot of problems not to go to the local Anikitos first.I'll talk to Warren, I'm certain he'll let Mr.Donovan make the decision without pressure.But if we don't check with him first, it will be akin to setting up a loner in his territory, and you just don't do that."
"I see."I did kind of understand, but not totally.I wasn't talking about shifting Reece Donovan without going to the Anikitos, just giving him the option first.
"I'll be in touch with you about when to expect Alexis and her enforcer."
"Is it not going to be Caden?"I asked.
"As far as I know, it will be.But I have to check on things before I can be sure."
"All right,"
