OZone 05 : Steel Wool

Garrison Dhorne woke up to the scent of eggs and bacon.

A new day would begin after a hearty breakfast. It had been awhile since he had had a home cooked meal. Even the aroma of freshly squeezed orange juice tempted his fight to sleep another hour. He heard the door to his room open as he gently fluttered his eyelids. Ignoring the breakfast trays light jingle on a bedside stand he pulls his pillow over his head. That extra hour sounded more delicious than any toast and jam.

Rolling over on his stomach relaxed his aching lower back. The pain was growing more intense but he knew there were more important things to get resolved than a continual muscle spasm. Namely dealing with today's exorcism. Purging the demons of his past was a priority if he ever wanted to start a new life. Groaning he tried not to think about it.

Feeling an extra weight on his mattress he opens one eye while still beneath the pillow. He feigns knowing of his intruder praying he was wrong. Warm hands lightly touch his shoulders causing him to open his second eye. His thoughts plague his decision to wait and see. There was no scent of expensive perfume as he would have expected from her. Nor would he really understand why she would want to touch him other than to make him regret leaving his family. Maybe she got in early. Perhaps she was lonely and missing her recently deceased husband Donatello.

Darting his eyes from side to side he contains a shiver at the gentle fingers creeping down at a timid pace ending on his butt cheek. Bare at that. Finally the pillow is lifted, "Hold yer horses right there NinaLou. Just ain't right this being Nora's old room."

He rolls over as a tongue flicks the back of his neck followed by a light kiss. "I said put yer Filly in Philly."

His worse nightmare realized he leaps out of bed and snatches his pillow to cover his dangling manhood. "Geezus Christ! Trinity?"

He winces as the eighty-two year old maid lay there on his bed in a seductive pose. In a skin tight teddy to make it worse. "Come on back to bed ya Redneck Rooster."

He paces the room on his side of the bed grimacing at how his usual lack of deduction hadn't warned him of the intruder. Glancing back at her he see's her pucker up for a kiss with ruby red lips.

"Put that pucker away Trinity before ya swallow yer partial plate. Get on outta here."

The woman cackles fluttering her sparse red hair from her ear. A chill overcame Dhorne as he recalls lips touching the back of his neck obviously leaving red lipstick in it's wake. Quickly reaching back he rubs it off diligently. "That there's the kiss of the spider woman. Go on an dust those cobwebs outta yer backside before I tell Gus and Babs."

She rolls on to her back showing off her sagging cleavage with a teasing hand. "Go ahead and tell 'em. I don't give a rats patooty. What are they gonna do? Fire me? Let 'em put this Workhorse out to pasture. Who needs 'em."

He rolls his eyes and carefully goes around the foot of the bed to kick her shoes toward her.

"Get yer horseshoes on an gallop."

She cackles again, "Why don't ya hang 'em over the doorway ya might get lucky."

He finds her amusing at her age but keeps his laughter to himself. "Come on now Trinity this here ain't funny."

She sits up spreading her legs as he covers his eyes, "Stop that before Gus finds out where ya hid his Bentley."

She reaches over to tug on his pillow almost removing it from his fingers, "What ya afraid of MASTER? A little pussy?"

Dhorne pulls his pillow from her nimble fingers, "Nothin' little about that pussy. Why don't ya gather yer ball of yarn and knit you a body bag."

She no more than stands up than a voice roars from the door, "Oh, Good Lord. Ozymandias you will give that poor woman a heart attack."

He whirls around to avoid his Mother-in-law from seeing his bare butt only to feel a hearty slap on his left butt cheek. Trinity busts into laughter to be followed by Babs LeGend as Dhorne pivots from one view to the next, "Knock it off!"

He feels Trinity who catches him off guard slapping the pillow from his hand, "There I knocked it off." She stands back taking him all in then grimaces, "That's all ya got? I don't know what Nora saw in ya."

He looks down at himself with a weird expression, "HEY! Nora loved Junior."

Bab's steps in escorting Trinity out but takes time to pat Dhorne on the back, "Don't be upset Garrison. Nora said nothing but good things about Junior. Eat your breakfast and shower. Nina called. Her limousine is leaving for Bartlett as we speak."

He fidgets, "Now I ain't got no appetite."

An hour later Garrison Dhorne was refreshed and laughing about his earlier escapade. Decked out in pale jeans and a red polo shirt he steps out the back door. To see Gus LeGend reading his morning paper while Babs was pelting golf balls from a putting green out toward the lake.

Strolling toward them he notes early morning boaters. Specifically, a band of young adults hollering in the early morning with obscenities directed toward Babs LeGend.

"Careful Babs. Yer foreplay might take out that there water skier."

She halts her sway to smile at him, "Much more presentable Garrison. I trust Trinity has not scarred you for life."

He chuckles sitting down in a patio chair. "Nah! Day's young even if yer maid ain't. Speaking of scars. What's Nina's ETA?"

Babs scowls at him after placing a golf ball on a tee. "I know that Nina is hardly your favorite person Garrison but we both know that Nora wanted Connor to go to Nina should anything happen to either of you. When Donatello passed it was very hard on her being a single Guardian. More than she could handle to be honest. His stay with us was far too unpredictable. After the third time running away we were forced to make Nina honor Nora's wishes. Military school was her only outlet. As a Man in Uniform I would think you might understand."

Gus folds his paper and rests it on the table then pours himself a glass of apple juice from a pitcher. Dhorne slouches in his seat crossing his arms as Babs again slices a golf ball into the water.

"I do respect that, Babs. Nina and I just got off on the wrong dance floor way too many tangos. Don't get me wrong I like Nina I just don't think she was responsible enough to play Momma Hen."

Gus clears his throat without saying a word. Oz lowers his gaze sitting up straight then sighs heavily, "Yer right Gus. Who am I to talk about responsibility? I couldn't be a model Father myself. I liked my career just a lil too much. You gotta give me credit I supported my boy without tapping into the LeGend piggy bank."

Gus nods reaching across the table for a fruit newton, "We have never questioned your abilities Son. Merely your timing. We're very proud of you to come back to Bartlett and resume your life here. It does however shock us that you chose Alabama over your native Tennessee."

Dhorne closes his eyes tilting his head skyward, "Reckon this is home now. Nora's here."

He seizes up fighting back a tear. "I can do this. It's time to move on."

Babs places her club into its bag and takes a seat at the table with them.

"Nora would tell you its your decision. It always was."

He faintly smiles, "True that. I gave her three wishes. She gave back two. The only thing she ever wished for was for me to be a better Father then my own was. He was never there for us kids. Always mixing it up in some War in some unknown country. Mom was no better. Diplomatic stuff. Us kids spent years with Grampa Dhorne in Tennessee then military school." He shakes his head with a gentle laugh, "Reckon I'm no better. I tried for Nora. Just not hard nuff I suppose."

Babs reaches across the table and stations her palm on his forearm. "We all are welcome to second chances Garrison. You found your way into our lives and earned a spot in our circle of trust. A circle that you yourself have tightened by being you. Even taking a number of years away from your son you have maintained our faith in you."

Dhorne shrugs, "Not sure how y'all could. I abandoned my boy. All of ya. Nora was my ONE. I couldn't let anyone in. Kin or friend."

With encouraging eyes Babs stared at him without blinking, "Nora never abandoned you Garrison. How often have you spoken of her soul within yours? Therefore neither of you abandoned Connor. He was forged from two very sturdy souls. Not to mention the blood of Francisco LeGend runs through his veins. He will grow to be strong and wise."

Gus grumbles, "Garrison comes from steel in his own bloodline Babs. Warrior born I say."

Oz chuckles then lifts away from leaning on the table to flex his biceps, "Yup! That's me."

Gus finds his antics amusing, adding fuel to his fire, "Garrison does mean a small battalion. Ozymandias was indeed a king."

Babs brightened up, "There! You see? Royalty runs in the family. Blue blood adorns us all."

She sits erect, "A DORN. How witty of me."

Oz puckered up with eyebrows rising, "Y'all sure know how to make a fella feel right at home."

Before their banter could escalate a speaker attached to the nearby gazebo grumbles to life fearing Trinity McGuire's raspy voice. "Yer demon's been exercisin'. She's actually carrying her own bags in. Maybe I should jump into her arms and let her carry me to the ladies room. I'm so happy to see her, I'm pissin' all over myself."

Gus and Babs both frown at each other as Gus stands up, "I'll just go load the elephant gun and put her out for the day."

Dhorne arches back in his chair, "Trinity or Nina? Might need an extra dart for Nina."

Babs slaps his arm, "Behave. And try to get along. I won't allow any screaming Mimi's on our doorstep."

Dhorne stands, "Only if she wants sex and I deny her."

Gus places his hands over his ears, "Please I already have one headache."

Babs notes his glare at her, "Augustus? Are you insinuating that Nina takes after me?"

With a grimace followed by a wink Gus turns around to see his ravishing daughter of shoulder length auburn hair and well taken care of shape, walk toward them across the yard. Arms outstretched by Gus and Nina both she calls out "Daddy".

Before the embrace is met the speaker crackles once more, "DADA! DADA! Look DADA I can walk."

Dhorne resists laughter then the second he looks at Babs he loses it. Babs made up for it with an expression of discouragement.

"Why haven't you retired that hag? She's evil." pouts Nina hugging her father.

Gus exhales, "We've been through this a dozen times. Trinity raised me and is part of this family. She will have her morning sherry and pass out on The Price is Right."

Nina squeals, "It's so good to see you."

She swiftly reverts her attention to Babs who comes to claim her hugs and kisses. As Babs holds her daughter tightly she whispers, "Contain your spirit child. Garrison is trying."

Nina in turn kisses her mother's cheek.

"Hello Dear Brother-in-law."

Dhorne spreads his arms wide with a sly grin to coax her. She frowns and steps toward him when he closes his arms in front of his chest.

"I was just showing Trinity back there how wide yer ass was."

Nina glares behind at the elderly maid doubled over in laughter then turns to Dhorne with a sarcastic scowl, "My ass is not big. I work out with a personal trainer four days a week. A dietitian two more days to make sure I eat correctly. I have zero body fat--well--two percent, but who's counting. Give me a break, Oz. Not everybody can be a chiseled Adonis like you."

She sighs, "Why do you thrive on making me lose my self esteem?"

Babs slips in patting Dhorne on the lower back, "Be still. Peace. Do I dare have Augustus intervene with an "OMMMM"?"

Dhorne chuckles with a cheesy grin, "Make that OZZZZZ. It gets me a piece every time."

She frowns with a set of raised eyebrows, "Hug your Sister-in-law. Then talk as if civilized."

Both of them maintain a straight face leering at one another. After a set of long exhales Oz again opens his arms wide followed by a slow narrowing of his hands, "Ight! Yer ass ain't so big. Yer trainer sure got personal. Did he train ya to roll over and play dead?"

Nina Sabastian rolls her eyes and turns away when Oz reaches out to grip her wrist dragging her back into his embrace. She resists as his arms fold in front of her chest to cement her in his grasp.

"Calm it down, NinaLou. You know I love ya. Only cuz Nora made me but still. Let's take a walk and say howdy to yer Sis. She misses ya."

Nina takes a deep breath before patting his forearm, "If you don't mind I would prefer to say hello on my own. You can join me in thirty minutes."

Dhorne releases her nodding with a casual glance toward Babs and Gus, "Fair nuff. Give her my best and tell her I'll trim the hedges later this week. I'll make it a family project once the boy arrives."

Nina refrains from smiling, "Thank you. Now if you will all excuse me. My sister awaits."

All waver as she turns to follow a path between the LeGend property and Dhorne's adjoining woods. Babs steps forward offering her Son-in-law a nine iron, "Take out your frustrations, Garrison."

He accepts the club and teases her as if he was going after Nina then halts with a wink, "I'll corner her later in the sand trap."

They both share a chuckle as the boaters draw closer on their return again spouting off obscene remarks. Oz grins, "Tee up, Momma."

She places a golf ball on the tee beside her then steps back to allow Oz to take stance. Noting the wind and the boats speed variation he teeters back and forth with the club awaiting his shot. At the precise moment of decision and grace he slices the ball out toward the lake with a destined trajectory. One that lands with a resounding impact on the water skier's hip with just enough agony to release his grip on the tow line. With a shout of surprise they watch him tumble in the waves and sink.

The boat slows down and turns about to collect their friend offering raised hands in their direction to apologize for the bobbing skier. Dhorne lifts his club in triumph, "Now that there put the wood in Tiger. Bettin' they won't be misbehavin' an wavin' around y'all no more."

Babs shakes her head, "You could have seriously hurt that young man, Garrison. How do you do it? That should have been an impossible shot."

Dhorne lowers his sunglasses to eye her, "Sniper trainin'. Eyes on the rise. I could've nailed that fella with my eyes closed. Lucky for him the wind out there edged him four degrees. I was aimin' for the nads."

Behind them they could hear Trinity busting a gut. Oz grins, "Speakin' of sand traps. Y'all ever think about installin' some quicksand over a shallow grave in the east forty? Make it look like the guest house flower bed. Jus' tell the prune ta prune the chrysanthemums. "Course, be yer luck she'd call ya from China."

Babs could only smile shamelessly, "It's so good to hear your banter, Garrison. You truly have come home."

Dhorne couldn't agree more. With a glance back at Gus, Oz points out, "Hey Gus. You ever think of changin' the name of yer boat from "Living LeGend" to the "Golfin' Dolphin"? Might serve it's porpoise."

Augustus merely shakes his head, "I did consider christening it Nora's Ark once. After all there were two beautiful little girls ready to shuffle aboard. Beastly girls they were."

Oz winks directly at Babs, "We all know who put the BEST in BEAST now don't we?" His referral to his wife made Babs tilt her head with pride.

Handing off the club Oz gallantly bows toward his Mother-in-law duly signaled by his cell phones ring, "Shaved by the bell. Pardon me, Momma B."

Stepping away he answers his phone, "Dhorne on the horn. How can I honk ya?"

He brightens up looking toward the sun, "Well if it ain't Colonel "Archibald Strong". What's shakin', Archie? Conjob givin' you a hard time is he?"

Silence befalls Dhorne as he carefully listens to the Colonel of the Military Academy his son was attending.

"Counselor, huh. Lemme guess, Nina Sabastian requested him and I settle our differences through a counseling session. Nice of her to fill me in on the terms of her giving me back sole custody. Ight, then. Send yer Shrink. I'll honor that commitment and belly up the resentment. Bus leaves at 1:00 gets in here by 7:00. I purdy much knew the ETA but Thank ya for callin', Archie. Tell Betty and Veronica I said howdy."

Oz begins to hang up when he hears the Colonel sputter more, "Counselor's a "Her"? No shit. Graduated top of her class. All good. Yeah, yeah I'm the Top and I promise I'll keep her ass in clASS sacred to the Academy. We don't want this devious ole MASTER soiling that school like the old days do we? How is ole Sargent Hickey--er--Teriki? They ever find her bra in the Library? Course not. Nobody reads, "Catcher in the Rye" these days. I figgered that was the best hidin' place. Burnin' books ranks right up there with burnin' bras."

He chuckles then grits his teeth, "Your son married her? Awwwww hell. Best find that bra then cuz it's got her name on it and my stains. Yes Sir. I surely am an evil man. I'll try and keep my charms in my pants on this one. Young and impressionable, huh. Teriki wanted to bring my boy here?"

Dhorne chuckles, "Good thing you ordered her to stand down. I'd hate to have sent her back a blubberin' idiot. She's a pleader after drinkin' a fifth. Course I'm good for six to ten times."

Another burst of chuckles between the men, "Tell Barney he married a winner. Suzie Teriki's a dynamo. What's this Counselor's name? Corporal Renee Cherish. Interestin' moniker there. Ight, I'll send her home with a sense of accomplishment. Right, and her bra. I'm doubtin' once my boy gets here I'll be focused on any Corporal--punishment or not. I'll be punished enough by him."

Dhorne frowns, "Safe bet, Arch. Three years of aggression built up. Can't blame him. I'll win him back just might take a month or five. Ah, ah, ah Archie. Ain't in no mood to discuss my Brother. He's a grown man now. Trouble he's in is his business not ours. "America's Most Wanted" has run his case into the ground and that's where it needs to stay. Buried."

A moment of eye closure signals a sadness on the subject, "I'll be sure to tell Nina you gave her yer worst. Finger eleven salute and a forearm flagpole, got it. Tell those new Cadets the story about the time Me and Donwally pulled the steel wool over the eyes of "Sister Monica" when we spiked the Holy Water with Vodka? You should. Dicipline changed our world. Her world too?"

"Huh?" Dhorne droops his sunglasses as he lowers his gaze, "You're kiddin' me. She gave up the Seminary to become a stripper? All cuzza Me? Ummm, Arch? Does my boy know 'bout all that? Ahhhh, hell. Bet that Counselor does too don't she? Cadets used to tease Conjob tryin' to make him more like me? Dhorne name's like a curse at Strong Academy ain't it?"

More intense listening before, "So the Counselor feels like she has to prove something to yer School. Like breakin' my curse. The Cadets called my boy that? Sissy boy, huh? Ight, Arch, I take the hint. Told ya I'd go easy on yer Counselor Cherish. Swear I won't go beddin' her down an ruinin' her rep. Thanks for callin' Colonel. You take care. Saaaalute!"

Hanging up he hesitates to look behind him knowing Gus and Babs had heard his conversation. Finally, he turns to their emotionless gaze. He swallows hard then shrugs with a cheesy grin, "C'mon! We was kids. How was I supposed to know I'd turn a woman of God into a pole prancer." Gus sips at his juice leaving the stern look to Babs.

Barbara in turn eases over to slide her arm under that of Dhorne's, "Garrison. Your past is just that. It's the present that needs the gift. Unwrap a whole new world to Connor. Show him how to tie a bow."