“Hey.”
Kerry looked up, spotting tears rolling down her partner’s face. “Oh, hon.”
Dar shook her head and lifted one hand to wipe her eyes. “Last time I do someone a favor.” She said, clearing her throat. “Bastard.”
Kerry put her other arm around her and gave her a hug.
“What’s the point in doing the right thing if all it gets you is kicked in the ass?”
“Ah, Dar.” Kerry felt the ache in her heart for her. “It’s not always like that.” She rocked them both a little. “A lot of people love you for your doing the right thing. I sure do.”
Dar sighed.
“Your mom picked the right name for you, honey. You are a Paladin.” Kerry said. “You have such a polished, white soul.”
Dar blew a raspberry at her. “I tried to do right by ILS, and it gets me lawsuits. I do a favor for some kid, and I get thrown under the bus when some guy croaks. What’s the damn point?”
Kerry patted her on the stomach and hugged her again. “The point is, it’s who you are.”
“Ugh.”
“You told me not to talk smack at you.” Kerry said. “So I’m not. Dar, you are who you are. Don’t even contemplate changing that.”
“Growf.” Chino added commentary.
“Ahh. Screw it.” Dar wiped her eyes again. “Let’s go have dinner. “ She walked arm in arm with Kerry back up the beach, circling the fire and dropping into the chairs dug into the sand on either side of the table.
Kerry uncovered the plates and handed her one, then pulled her own over, and they ate in companionable silence for a few minutes. “I’ve got apples baking over there when we’re done.”
A faint smile appeared on Dar’s face as she concentrated on divesting her lobster from its’ shell. “I can smell them.” She said. “Thanks, Ker.”
“Anytime. I can make them in the oven but theres something about a campfire that makes them extra good” Kerry replied. “Not sure what it is.”
“Everything tastes better over a campfire.”
“Well, that’s probably true but I have to admit I’m glad I don’t have to gather wood every time we make coffee.”
Dar chuckled softly.
“Feel better?”
Dar shrugged. “I just decided to hell with it. Let them come talk to us. By the time we’re done with Jim and that island they’ll be sorry they messed with us.”
“You mean because we’re giving the condo to your folks?” Kerry chuckled.
“My mom’ll run for condo association president, and my father’ll use that golf course for target practice. They’re screwed. All we did was bring our dog in the gym.”
“And love each other.” Kerry reminded her. “That’s our biggest offense.”
Dar picked up the cup of apple juice and toasted her with it. “That, I plead guilty to.” She waited for Kerry to lift her own cup and touch it to hers. “For all time.”
“Likewise.” Kerry smiled. “To hell with what anyone thinks about it.”
**
The End. (for now)