CHAPTER FIVE
Rocko
Rocko was ready to pull the plug on this fucked-up experiment.
Enough was enough, and it hadn’t even been twenty-four hours.
As he approached the construction site, where Griffin stood overseeing the activity, he considered the excuse he’d use to hit the road sooner, even though he doubted anyone would honestly care he’d gone.
Apollo caught up with him before he could approach Griffin and ask where he could help.
“Hold up,” Apollo said.
Griffin turned and walked toward them.
“Now what’s wrong?” Rocko asked in frustration.
“New plan. We have to head into town to the marina.”
“Okay. What’s at the marina?”
“Boats,” Griffin grumbled as he walked up. “That’s where they keep them.”
“No shit. I meant, why are we going?” Rocko huffed at Griffin’s surly response.
“A boat we’ve been thinking of buying has been delivered, so we’re going to have a look at it,” Apollo answered. “Let’s go.”
“I can stay here and help with the building,” Rocko said. He didn’t know shit about boats.
“No,” Apollo growled, but didn’t elaborate.
“Right,” Rocko grunted. Hell, what was wrong with him? He was getting far too used to being ordered around by the big guy.
Along the way to the truck, they met up with Jagger, who was more than happy to tag along.
Once they turned onto Black Point Road, it didn’t take long for them to reach Snug Harbor Marina.
It looked like a decent-sized operation, with dozens of boats wrapped up and stored over the winter season.
Their owners would be unwrapping those soon if the weather kept getting warmer, chomping at the bit to get out onto this beautiful lake.
“Is that the one?” Jagger asked, pointing toward what looked like a missile on a trailer.
It was long, sleek, and screamed speed, though the T-top and center console reminded Rocko of the sports boats back in Florida.
DONZI was emblazoned along its side with graphics that denoted its speed, but if that wasn’t enough to convince you, the three massive outboard engines lined up along the back should do it.
Rocko knew shit about boats, just the stats, courtesy of his memory.
He’d never owned one, driven one, or cared to.
“Holy shit. What do you plan on doing with that beast? Tell me you’re not getting into smuggling?” Rocko chuckled, only half joking.
Jagger began laughing.
“No, man, not drugs. People.”
“People?” Rocko asked. How the hell is that better?
“Yeah, this lake gives us a direct line over one hundred miles long, all the way to Canada, and sits between New York and Vermont. Think of all the survivors we could help disappear along this lake and into Canada once we set up a longer list of contacts. Between ours and Brick’s resources on the Fire Lake team, we could put a huge dent into the rate at which mutants gain their freedom back from The Noah Group. ”
“Shit, it’s brilliant,” Rocko said. “I didn’t think of that.”
“Aren’t you the one with the brain?” Griffin asked, not trying to hide his sarcasm.
“Memory.” Asshole.
“Sure,” Griffin chuckled. “Don’t see much proof of that.”
The guy wasn’t letting up. Time to teach him a lesson.
“Griffin; incessantly angry and forbidding. Hates strangers and doesn’t give a shit who he pisses off.
Can read people’s emotions and state of being.
Canine teeth and nails lengthen when agitated.
Tends to lead with his right hand naturally when writing and eating but uses the left when more physical work is needed, which leads me to believe he’s taken damage to his right arm or hand in the past. He has a nervous tic of touching the chain around his neck, suggesting an emotional attachment to it.
He has a slight limp in his right leg, indicating right-side damage.
If someone were to attack, they should approach from his right to increase their chances of gaining an advantage.
Four visible scars ranging in size from under one inch to four inches, the largest being on the left side of his neck, a clean line likely from a blade.
His eyes are brown like his hair, which grows shaggy when he becomes angry; heightened emotions may trigger his mutation at unwanted times.
I’m considering genetic manipulation within the animalistic realm.
He’s exceptionally fast, and he deliberately slows his movements around people he’s not comfortable with, including strangers.
But then again, what mutant doesn’t modify their natural behavior in front of outsiders?
” He paused. “Should I fucking continue?”
Griffin was speechless, probably for the first time, Rocko thought sourly, and without turning back to look at him, the other man opened the passenger door and stepped out.
“Touche,” Jagger chuckled. “’Bout time.”
Apollo showed no emotion, simply shut the truck off and stepped out. Great, he’d pissed them both off. What the hell did they expect? For him to keep on taking it? Fuck that. This may not be his place in the world, but he wasn’t someone’s punching bag. Those days were far behind him.
Rocko found himself alone with his thoughts in the backseat of the truck.
He opened the door and followed the team members to the powerboat.
The salesman was waiting for them, nervous smile in place.
He welcomed them and handed each a spec sheet on the boat.
Huh. I can see why he’s so nervous about getting this sale.
Probably make his full target in one bite.
A DONZI 39 VRZ was priced at $599,000 - used.
Rocko’s brain couldn’t fathom paying that much for anything.
He wondered how Apollo and his team had made the money to buy something like this.
His detective brain wouldn’t let it rest.
He was only half-listening to the salesman describe the triple Mercury Racing V10 400R engines, their operating hours, the hull and space, blah, blah blah then he zoned out.
When he re-focused, Jagger was pelting the poor man with question after question.
Technical data, range, wiring, operating systems, and more.
When the rest of the group decided to climb on board to look around, Rocko decided now would be a good time to catch his breath.
He folded the sheet and stuffed it into his pocket to have a better look later and wandered toward the water.
The marina’s docks were already out, a few boats bobbing, waiting for their owners’ return.
Behind the three half-closed bay doors across from the dock, Rocko heard the technicians working, likely preparing boats for the season.
It wasn’t until he heard someone mention the DONZI powerboat that Rocko paid closer attention.
“That rocket sure is sweet.”
“Yeah, you’d be surprised how many powerboats are up and down this lake. With Lake Champlain so long, you can let those beasts out for a good run.”
“Who are those guys?”
“They got a piece of property outside of town. Keep to themselves mainly.”
“Shit, you can say that about eighty percent of the folks around here.”
“Yeah, but there’s something off about them.”
That comment got Rocko’s attention.
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t know exactly, but that big guy looks ready to rip your head off if you breathe in his direction.”
“Heard he helped out old man Fitzgerald.”
“Frank?”
“Yeah. He had some issues with his property, and Apollo brought his guys over. Heard they fixed him up and asked for nothin’.”
“Huh. It’ll take more than one bit of kindness to make me trust that guy.”
“You scared of him, Joe? Whoa, you ain’t scared a nothin’.”
“Don’t talk shit. Get your ass back to work before I come over there and show you how scary I can be.”
Rocko committed the name Joe to his memory bank
“Needed some fresh air?”
Rocko turned to find Apollo standing a few feet behind him. He’d been so caught up in eavesdropping he didn’t hear the guy coming up behind him. Damn, for such a massive man, he sure did travel quietly.
“You could say that. Might want to keep the name Joe on your radar.”
“Joe?”
“Yeah, I overheard a conversation from out back here, and he thinks you’re one scary bastard. Or I may be paraphrasing,” Rocko chuckled, unable to stop himself from embellishing a bit.
“He’s right. I am,” Apollo said unapologetically.
“Helps keep people away.”
“Damn right.”
They stood there silently for several minutes, staring out onto the water. Even when Rocko was back in Florida, in difficult times, he’d often find solace staring out at the ocean. He’d watch the water flow, the waves crash, and feel at peace.
“Don’t let Griffin get to you,” Apollo said, breaking the silence. “He’s had a rough life and trusts no one outside the team.”
“We’ve all had a rough time.” There was no way he’d let the guy off so easily.
“I know it’s not an excuse but trust me when I say you made your point.”
“And what point was that?”
“That you’re not going to sit back and take it.”
“Should I?”
“Hell no.”
“Good.”
“So, what do you think of the boat?”
“You’re asking me?” Rocko was no expert.
“Yeah,” Apollo said. “Why wouldn’t I?”
“I’m the stranger you can’t let out of your sight, remember?”
“That’s not why I wanted you to come along.”
“It’s not?”
“No,” Apollo chuckled, but he didn’t elaborate or explain.
Rocko considered the little he knew. “The boat looks good for what you need. According to the people I overheard, powerboats are common on this lake, so you won’t stand out.
If the specs are true and Jagger doesn’t find a problem, the DONZI should do the job.
The only issue I see is the price. That’s a huge chunk of change. ”
“And you’re wondering where I’d get that kind of cash?” Apollo asked knowingly.
“Well, to be completely honest, yeah.”