Caught in the Net

by Breanna Hayse

  “If he hurts her, so help me, I'll...”

  “You'll love on her until she is ready to try again. You are making this more difficult than it has to be.” Michael scowled, “And Scott certainly isn't helping.”

  “Shut your pie hole, boy,” Scott grumbled back unhappily. The doorbell rang at exactly 1900 sharp. “He’s prompt, that’s a plus,” Scott muttered as Michael stood to answer the door.

  He made quick introductions as hands were shaken firmly. “Hey Rich, I’m Michael, Sam’s brother. Come in, please. This is our family. My father, Dr. Joseph Quimby; and uncle, Dr. Scott Jenkins.”

  “Richard Lewis, sirs. Pleased to meet you. Physicians?”

  “I am. Scott is a physicist. Please have a seat. Can I get you a drink? Beer? Wine?” Dr. Quimby said, skeptically assessing him. Good, firm handshake, direct eye contact. Rich was taller by a good inch than the Quimby men, with green eyes and dark brown hair, deeply tanned, broad shouldered with an athletic build. His dimples seemed out of place when he smiled, softening his strong features. He appeared confident with impeccable manners, as well. Dr. Quimby fought not to instantly like him.

  “No thank you, sir. I don’t drink,” Rich said, accepting the place on the couch.

  Scott leaned back in his recliner. “Do you smoke? Do drugs? Tell us about yourself, son.”

  “No sir, neither of those,” Rich laughed, unbothered by the inquisitions. “I…”

  “I thought I heard the doorbell. Hi, Rich! I’m sorry I wasn't down here sooner to protect you from my loving family,” Sam stated, eyeing her parents as she glided gracefully down the staircase. “Oh, thank you! It’s lovely,” she said as Rich handed her the rose he had brought, greeting her with a kiss on the cheek. She ignored the comment her father said to Scott about him getting her orchids.

  “You look beautiful tonight.” Rich offered his arm to escort her back to the living room. “We were just getting to know each other.”

  “In other words, they were starting to interrogate you. What did you guys say? You promised to behave yourselves,” Sam scolded, casting the two older men a hard look. They shrugged.

  “We haven't said anything, darling. We’re behaving,” Scott insisted.

  “Except you insinuated that he smoked and did drugs,” Michael commented, ignoring the nasty look his uncle directed at him.

  Sam sighed and leaned over to kiss her uncle's cheek, then her father's, before she sat down next to her date. “Please, let him talk first. For me, okay? Thank you,” she said as the two older men nodded with obvious pouts.

  Rich's laugh was warm and throaty. “For starters, I work as an engineer at North Island. I’m a Marine Corps 2nd lieutenant, graduated with honors and commissioned through Annapolis with military career plans.”

  “Do you know who we are?” Scott asked, drawing his handsome face into an intimidating frown as he leaned forward, hands clasped in front of him. Sam bit her lip as she glanced at Michael; dear Uncle Scott was about to pull rank.

  Rich was unbothered. “Yes, sir. You are the concerned parents of an 18 year old girl. I must be honest when I tell you that I do not make a habit of dating a lady under the age of 21. I also swear, on my honor, I will conduct myself as an officer and a gentleman.”

  “Truth, young man.” Scott stared directly at him. “Did you make the first approach?”

  “No, sir. To be honest, I was not sure she was over 18. I'm sorry, but you do look younger,” Rich said apologetically to Sam.

  “Samantha Anne, do you have anything to say? Picking up strange men in a bar like a common hussy?” Scott asked, eyes twinkling. He liked Rich, too.

  She shrugged. “It was in a sportswear store, not a bar. After living with you guys, I have no fear of expressing my needs or interests. And YOU are the one who taught me how to be a hussy, Uncle Scott. You've always insisted that I be honest and straightforward. I simply followed your directions.”

  “Scott, don't call Sam a hussy. A smart ass, maybe... Richard, there are some things you should be aware of before you proceed with an involvement in this family,” Dr. Quimby said, relaxing in his chair. “Did our girl tell you anything about herself or her situation?”

  “Situation?”

  “Occupation. Social involvement, anything?”

  “No, sir. We only spoke briefly over the phone about tonight. What am I missing?” Rich looked at Sam with concern.

  She sighed, “I’m a 1st lieutenant, USMC and so is Mike. We work at Shelter Island and the Pt. Loma facilities running the engineer and bio labs. Uncle Scott is the base commander and Daddy is unit commander. They are both generals.”

  Rich did not so much as offer a surprised blink at her announcement. “A lieutenant? You’re only 18, right? I can see Mike being in the position, but I would not have suspected you to be.”

  “Yes. It’s a long story. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, but THEY tend to intimidate people.” She eyed her parents. “Plus, big brother Mike tends to be really overprotective. Do you mind if I ask what type clearance you hold?”

  “SCI and TS. You have to on the island,” he answered without hesitation. He turned to face the two older men. “Gentlemen, I would like your permission to date Samantha. I understand your concerns and I promise that I will exercise all constraint and treat her with respect.”

  “It doesn’t bother you about our positions?” Scott asked, amused, eyeing his frowning best friend. Scott instantly approved of the young man’s demeanor and carriage; he had little respect for people who were easily intimidated.

  Rich shook his head. “No sir, not at all. I have no reason to be bothered, do I? Plus we work in different areas, so there won’t be any conflict of interest. Do I have your permission?”

  “I supposed it's okay by me. But she is his kid. Joe?”

  “I guess. Please have her home at a reasonable hour. Like 2030,” Dr. Quimby grunted.

  Sam smiled, walking over to sit in his lap and wrap her arms around his neck. “Daddy, that gives us one hour. Don't worry so much. I'm a big girl and you taught me how to take care of myself when you aren't around to take care of me. I love you. You know that,” she reassured him with a kiss. Rich watched as her father embraced her, his arms completely around her body, holding her tight. There was no question of who this young woman was devoted to and why. Rich viewed it as a positive sign, confident that her relational baggage was very minimal coming from a family like this.

  “I love you too, baby. Promise to behave yourself. Michael, where are you planning on going this evening?” the man sighed, kissing Sam's cheek.

  “We have reservations at Ruth’s Chris downtown. We need to get going so I can pick up Lara.”

  “All right. Have a good time, kids. Richard, it was a pleasure to meet you.” Dr. Quimby stood to shake Rich's hand, pleased to see the young man matched his grip.

  “Please sir, call me Rich. And the pleasure was mine.”

  Scott, also reached to shake Rich's hand with a similar challenge, hiding the cringe on his face when he felt his hand being crushed. He waited until Rich left the room to whine, much to his best friend's amusement.

  “I like the boy,” Dr. Quimby admitted, watching Scott shake out his hand.

  “Damn it, Joe. So do I. He's got gumption, I'll give him that.”

  “That's the type of man Samantha needs, though. She would never respect anyone who was afraid of us.”

  “He needs to be a little afraid. I think he broke my hand.”

  “Stop whining, you big cry baby.”

  “Don't make me come over there to kick your ass,” Scott threatened.

  “Try it, old man, and you'll be whining some more,” Dr. Quimby grinned, opening the paper. Scott responded simply with a grunt, and switched on the television.

  Chapter 3

  Upon Michael's insistence, the three drove his car to pick up Lara. Sam insisted that the boys sit up front and get to know each other.

  “Sorry about the third degree. They tend to be
a bit overbearing at times,” Michael said as they pulled onto the road.

  “To be honest, I found them refreshing. I can tell that your uncle is quite a character. You guys are lucky to have a family like that.”

  “That is one way to describe Scott,” Michael chuckled. “Sam takes after his side, so watch out.”

  “I'll remember that. So, an officer? Really?” He twisted in his seat to look at his date.

  She nodded, leaning forward. “Yes, I was field commissioned when I was 17, and promoted to first on my 18th. I’ll tell you details later. Right now, I am starving.”

  “This girl can pack it away, too. So don’t be shocked.”

  Rich grinned. “I’m really glad that I met you guys. I’m a new transfer to the area from the east coast. It’s tough being the youngest of the unit beside the enlisted. The older enlisted seem to think I'm stupid or something.”

  “We know how that feels. Plus Sammi gets it double being a female. So what do you do?”

  “Nukes. Can’t discuss any details, sorry. And you guys?”

  “Field research. Just got back from a nine month cruise and glad to be home.” Michael said. “Engineering? What is your specialty? I have an MS in design engineering and computer science and just finished my PhD in oceanic physics and neuroengineering.”

  “Cool. Mine is subatomic physics, with a minor in design and physical engineering. Did you read that paper about the…”

  As the boys rambled about their work and interest during dinner, Sam elbowed Lara, a pretty, blonde 21 year old college student. “Do you want me to break this up before they start a bromance? Boys, hello? You have two ladies here who are in need of your attention.”

  “I’m so sorry. Please forgive us,” Michael said, patting Lara’s hand, his bright blue eyes sparkling.

  Rich squeezed Sam’s. “I’m sorry too; I didn’t mean to be rude. I’ve just never had anyone to talk with about this stuff who actually understands it.”

  “Trust me; I know exactly how that feels. Just don’t start talking cetaceans with me. Lara, what is your major? You’re going to school, right?” Sam said, not moving her hand from under Rich's large, warm palm. She smiled at him, as he squeezed it again, gently.

  “I haven’t decided yet. Either art or social studies.”

  “What do you want to do with them?” Sam asked politely. She simply did not care for the girl and found her boorish and uppity, certainly not the type of personality that would fare well with their family. She exercised her manners for her brother's sake, even though Lara had made several snide comments about his dragging along the baby sister.

  “I don’t know. I haven’t really thought it through. How about you? What grade are you in?” Lara asked, clearly believing Sam to be too young to attend an adult evening, and curious about the handsome, older young man who seemed to be enthralled by the little redhead.

  “I was home schooled. I graduated a while back,” Sam said evasively.

  Lara made a face. “How horrible. No dances or parties or anything?”

  “Our parents are very serious about our education. They insisted it come before play,” Michael stated, aware of the hostility that was sparking between the two young women.

  “But what type of social environment do you get with home school? How are you going to adjust to something like college? I believe parents that allow home education, do their children a disservice.”

  “I’ll manage,” Sam said, clenching her teeth, not liking the tone of disapproval in the girl’s voice.

  “I disagree, Lara,” Rich said. “Properly home schooled children have more opportunity to engage in normal situations of life, without the distraction of the cliques seen in the school system. More so, depending on the parents, the child has opportunities to progress in their studies at a greater rate.”

  Sam looked at Rich gratefully, as Lara puffed at him. She turned her back to Sam, “What college are you going to, Mike? You guys were talking about engineering.”

  “I’m done with college. I was also home schooled and never regretted a minute of it. My parents are brilliant and made sure we both had everything we needed,” Michael answered, eyeing his sister. She was struggling so hard to behave.

  “I met them. Incredible people. His father is a physician and his uncle is a doctoral physicist.”

  “Your parents are gay?”

  “No. Our uncle is our mother’s brother. She passed away when I was five and he helped Dad in raising us,” Michael said, amused by her conclusion. “I just finished my doctorate last month. The Jag was a gift from them.”

  “That is impossible! You’re only 22, right?”

  “Like father, like son,” Michael chuckled, taking a bite of his steak. “My sister just completed her masters and has started research for her doctoral presentation.”

  “Don’t lie, it’s not becoming,” Lara said in a huff. Michael and Rich looked at each other, then at Sam.

  “She’s also a lieutenant in the Corps and runs the bio labs. Show her your ID,” Rich said, nudging his date.

  “Come on, guys, this isn’t a show and tell. It’s supposed to be a date. Fine… here, Lara. Do you follow the news?”

  “Oh my… Yes, why?” the girl asked, looking at the ID.

  “Have you heard about the killer whale sightings and the search and rescue team off shore?”

  “Who hasn’t?”

  “Yeah, who hasn’t?” Rich intervened. “Is that you guys?”

  “It’s us. Now, can we please eat? I’m hungry!” Sam said, watching Lara suspend her fork in midair. Rich shook his head, chuckling quietly. He was truly mesmerized by the beautiful siren before him, wondering what other secrets lurked below that sultry, soft surface.

  The four walked along the harbor, chatting quietly. Twice, salutes were offered as uniformed personnel from the nearby training center recognized them. It was 10:30 when Michael dropped Lara off at her home, offering the excuse that he and Sam had an early morning and had to call it an evening. Lara shot Sam a dirty look, when she added that they got up at 0500 to train together and then have family time. Sam slid into the front seat as her brother politely walked the girl to the door.

  “I don’t like her for him. He better not ask her out again,” she said, watching out the window with a frown etched on her face.

  Rich laughed. “It sounds like overprotectiveness is not limited to just the men in your family. Don't worry, though, I don’t think he liked her for him, either. He needs someone smart and sweet, who has goals. Did you have fun tonight?”

  “I did. Thanks for intervening for me. I wanted to punch the nasty little wench,” Sam confessed, leaning back against the seat. “I feel like I’ve known you forever. It’s weird. Maybe because you’re a lot like my brother.”

  “I feel the same about both of you. I think I found myself some new friends,” Rich said softly as he touched the girl’s face. He wanted to kiss her so badly; to cover her dark blue eyes, smoldering under the long thick lashes, with his lips, and to run his palms along her beautiful face, framed by rich auburn ringlets. Before he reached for her, Michael returned.

  “Okay, little sister, before you smart off, I will admit that you were right. I should listen better. What a dingbat. I could not get over how rude she was to you, either.”

  “Told you so. She was pissed about you bringing me along. HEY! You’re squishing me. Move over,” Sam ordered Rich, pinching his thigh.

  “Hey, no pinching.” Rich lightly smacked her hand, before grabbing it to sit on.

  “Michael! Rich won't let go of my hand!”

  “If you are staying up front with us, then you will be squished. Seat belt, please.” Michael said, ignoring her.

  “You two are so funny. Do you guys surf?” Rich laughed, wrapping his fingers around Sam's after releasing her.

  “I do. She just falls. Wanna catch some waves tomorrow? We’re supposed to have some beauts coming in by 0700.”

  Rich nodded. “Sounds good.
Where do we go?”

  “We have beach access from the house with a sweet curl from the canyons. Come over at 0630.”

  “Why will you get up that early to surf, but won’t wake to go swim with me?” Sam pouted, arms crossed with her lower lip sticking out.

  “Stop sulking. You can come too if you want, brat.”

  “Okay. Do you care if I go out?” Sam perked up.

  “Fine by me, just don’t wake Scott. You know how ugly he is in the morning. You can make us coffee, sis.”

  “Gee thanks. Rich? Would you like to risk coming in for a while? I’m sure the folks will want to see you, to quiz you about the evening and see how much testosterone they can throw around,” Sam snickered. To her amazement, he eagerly accepted the invitation. Scott and Dr. Quimby were watching TV when the three entered. The girl walked over to hug both and found herself being pulled up to sit on Scott’s knee.

  “Let go,” she whispered. “You don’t need to mark your territory.”

  “How about if I just bite it?” Scott whispered back, sinking his teeth into her neck and making her break into uncontrollable giggles.

  “Stop it! You’re embarrassing me!”

  “So, did you kids have a nice evening?” Dr. Quimby asked, ignoring his brother-in-law’s activities. The boys nodded.

  “We have a lot in common. Rich is coming over in the morning to surf. Do you wanna come out with us?” Michael asked. “This guy can ride like you wouldn't believe. No one can keep up with him.” He informed Rich with pride.

  “Thanks, but no,” Dr. Quimby smiled, grateful for his son’s comments. “But I do appreciate the compliment. I’m going to try to grab the rare opportunity to sleep in. Don’t forget, next Sunday is your day.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it for the world. We always go out without the brat the second Sunday of the month. It’s so peaceful.”

  Rich turned to the sound of Sam yelping as Scott held her arms down to chew on the other side. “Is it always like this?” he asked the two.