“Welcome, my friends,” Apollo said as they reached the truck.
“Wow, you’ve really come a long way in fixing up this place, Apollo,” Frank said as he shook Apollo’s hand, then Rocko’s.
“Hello, Mary, Asher,” Rocko greeted.“I’m happy you could come.Everyone is excited to finally have a moment to relax and enjoy all their hard work.”
“Thank you,” Mary said.“We likely won’t be able to stay long with Asher’s early bedtime, but we didn’t want to miss celebrating with everyone.The whole team has always been so kind and helpful to us.”
Mary looked relaxed, but Rocko could tell she was watching her toddler closely as Asher looked around at the animals and decorations.
“Cow,” Asher said while squirming to be let down.“I want to see cow.”
“Hello,” Ellen said as she joined them.“Want to go see our animals, Asher?”
Apollo’s teenage sister was the perfect person to break the ice with Asher and her mom.Her ready smile and kindness shone through in everything she said and did.
“Yes.Yes,” Asher announced.
“Why don’t you two go along with Ellen and say hi to the animals, and we’ll meet you on the deck afterward for some food and cupcakes,” Rocko suggested.Mary looked overjoyed at being directed away from the crowd around the house.Likely less of a chance of Asher being caught moving anything.
“That sounds wonderful,” Mary agreed.
“We’ll show your dad around in the meantime,” Apollo suggested.
“I’d like a tour, thanks,” Frank said.
The tour began at the dock and the new boat, which impressed Frank and prompted promises of a family ride once the weather warmed up further.As they moved through the compound, Frank appeared to relax and began enjoying himself.
The day was warm, and as the sun dipped lower in the sky, Apollo, Rocko, and Frank returned to the main house, where the team entertained Mary and Asher.Their laughter could be heard across the clearing, making the three of them smile.
“You’ve got yourself a fine place here,” Frank said.“I’m glad you invited us.”
“I’m glad you guys came,” Apollo replied.“Let’s grab some food.”
As Frank went to join his daughter and granddaughter, Apollo pulled Rocko close.
“It all comes down to this,” Apollo said.
“If you need anything from me, you’ll have it,” Rocko assured.
“Thanks.”
Watching the huge, typically gruff, and dangerous man relax was an odd sight.Rocko felt privileged to experience this more private side of Apollo, but he didn’t doubt the ruthless protector would return at a moment’s notice if they were under threat.
They joined the group sitting on chairs and around picnic tables across the deck.Griffin, Renee, Ellen, and Mary entertained Asher; Damon, Xavier, and Ace were manning the grill, and Hendrix was playing the music.While Jagger and Blade played a raucous chess game on a nearby counter, Jagger’s dark glasses still hid his mutated birdlike eyes from their guests.
Rocko walked over to the barbecue to grab himself a burger.Damon was busy flipping the patties while Xavier restocked the condiments and Ace cut the buns.
“How are things going?”Damon asked when Rocko arrived.
“Good, I think.It seems the family is calm and feeling more comfortable around us.”
“When do you think Apollo will fill them in?”Ace asked.
“Soon, before they leave to put Asher to bed.”
Xavier remained quiet as usual, but Rocko knew he was listening and missed nothing.Damon glanced over in the young man’s direction and, with a nod, turned back to Rocko.
“Maybe one of us should show our ability first,” Damon suggested, or perhaps it had been Xavier.
