a tribute to my father, George A. Dodson Jr.
10/5/29 - 06/08/02
A cold breeze floated over the ground and around him but he was oblivious. The mist dampened his skin and hair but he didn't feel it; so deep were his thoughts. A few days ago his world, his peaceful, predictable world had skidded to a halt. Daniel Chalmers, his father had died peacefully in front of him. His father. The words were as alien to him as they were comforting. Thanks to Mildred his anger and hurt had dissapated quickly and he'd been able to go back and seek Daniel out. Those few moments with her had given him precious time with Daniel. He'd found him, forgiven him and lost him all in the span of a few minutes. Life was indeed stranger than fiction.
"This is strange old boy. I didn't think it would hit me...not like this." he whispered.
"Then how?" someone whispered from beside him.
Remington turned suddenly and saw a woman standing next to him. The wind whipped her shoulder length hair around her face. Her mocha brown skin was reddening quickly from the crisp Irish air. Her severe navy blue suit a stark contrast with the natural setting.
"Sorry Harry, I didn't mean to intrude. Laura told me I might find you out here."
"Not at all. Hello Raven," Remington smiled in greeting. "It's time then?"
"Not quite. The others haven't arrived yet." she replied.
"It's odd. I can't bring myself to believe he's gone. I walk into a room and expect him to be there. I turn sometimes and swear I hear his voice. Remington said running his agitated hand through his hair. "Does this ever get any easier?"
"If it does I haven't reached it yet. Then again I guess it isn't supposed to."
"I take it you've lost someone close to you?"
"My father died almost two months ago."
"I'm sorry."
"So am I. You know it's the natural course of things, but it's still a shock and leaves you reeling inside."
"Were you close to him then?"
She nodded. "Yes. I feel his absence as much now as I did that first day. I'll miss him everyday for the rest of my life."
Remington looked at her thoughtfully before turning his gaze to the water. "So will I."
Raven put her hand on Remington's arm. "Daniel was a special man and a great friend. All the suits in our office thought so."
Remington laughed at that. "I'm sure keeping my father out of legal trouble was a full time job."
"Well you've definitely inherited his sense of humor." she smiled. "The will is being read in the library. We'll start whenever you're ready."
Remington nodded and watched her walk briskly back to the castle. He crossed his arms around him and stared at the water a few minutes before looking heavenward.
"Let's go see what other trouble you've stirred up eh, Daniel?" Remington smiled and winked.
THE END