by J.R. Bowles
CHAPTER 27
“Hey guys rise and shine,” Jackie said, squeezing each of them by their big toe. “Drop your cocks and grab your socks, it is reveille.” She laughed.
She had awakened early from force of habit.
“Come on sleepyheads.” she taunted.
“What time is it?” Zolar groaned.
“Seven thirty.”
“Oh, maw, just a few more minutes,” Bernie said, trying to imitate Jackie's slight mountain accent.
“Hey guys, you can sleep all you want, but I thought I would wake you up to tell you my leave has been cancelled.” Jackie waited for their reaction.
“What?” Bernie was first to exclaim, as they both shot up to sitting positions.
“Yeah, afraid so. I called the ship just to check in, and they pulled us out of Charlie status. We're getting underway at noon. I have to be back by eleven.”
“Charlie status?” Zolar questioned, wiping sleep from the corners of his eyes.
“That's when the ship is down for repairs, or should have been, but there's an oil tanker on fire off the coast and we're the closest ones to it.”
“You can't go now!” Bernie was distraught.
“I have to.”
“How long will you be gone?” Zolar asked.
“Depends on the fire. It could be several days. I'll call you as soon as I get back in port.”
“Do you want us to go down to the ferry terminal with you?” Bernie asked.
“No, that's all right, but could I borrow some subway money? I'm still broke, remember. After all I am a kept woman, big boys.” Jackie batted her eyes and laughed, in an imitation of Mae West.
They all laughed, Zolar grabbed his wallet from the night stand and handed her a bunch of bills. “Here, take a taxi, and please be careful,” he added, in his most sincere voice.
Bernie moved over to Jackie and opened his arms to hold her. “Please be careful.” He repeated as she returned his embrace.
“Hey, don't leave me out,” Zolar protested, and joined them in a three-way hug. “Jackie, whatever you do, or wherever you're at, try to be alone at midnight.”
“I'll try,” she promised, “but it's next to impossible on a ship. You guys stay out of trouble,” she added, to lighten the mood, and then left them standing staring at the door.
Bernie shrugged and turned to Zolar. “What now?”
“Breakfast.”
