Chapter 21 Dad's Restriction

"Dad, what were you and everybody so afraid of?" Lucky asked, standing next to his father as he sat in his recliner.

No words came from him as he pretended to watch television. He exhaled heavily and slumped into the recliner, reluctant to speak.

"I let you in. Isn't that good enough?" Said his father without taking his eyes off of the television.

Lucky blocked the screen, giving his dad himself to look at.

"Dad, those claw markings were all over the place. I remember how afraid you and the other people in the neighborhood were. What made those claw marks, Dad?" Lucky asked.

Finally, his dad looked at him.

"I told you, the woods were closed and you being the oldest, didn't listen."

"I thought we could get away with it." Lucky said, pacing the floor while his father sat, uncomfortably reclined.

"Well you didn't get away with it." His father tells him, his own voice trembling with the sadness of remembering that night.

Lucky quits pacing, "Will I ever have your forgiveness for not listening to you?" Lucky asked.

His dad is quiet. He returns the recliner to a sitting position and seemingly looks through him.

"You're mom lost her baby. And I lost everything, especially my oldest son."

"Come on Dad. It's been a lifetime since Babe was killed." Lucky announced.

"Don't make it sound like you don't care." His father said.

"I care Dad. I care. I've always cared.  I was there too. Remember?"

"But you made it home. Your baby sister didn't and it will always be your fault."

"So that's it. No forgiveness. Again.  You won't talk to me.  Mom still hates me."

"Lucky, I let you in. So call it what you want. No matter what, it will never bring Babe back."

"Dad!" Lucky exclaimed. "What do you know about that thing?"

"It's deadly. That's what I know." His father answered in a low voice. "That man—beast, longs for nothing except to kill and you work with it everyday." He said.

"Folklore says only on the full moon buy in real life, I've realized that it doesn't need the moon to do anything." Lucky responded.

"Why aren't you with your brother and sister? Isn't this the time that you visit the river in remembrance of Babe?" His dad asked.

"Yes but they left early. This capturing werewolf lifestyle of mine has gotten to them." Lucky answered, standing with his arms crossed, looking down at his father.

"I would have left a note too." His father said with a chuckle.

"How'd you know?" Lucky asked, raising an eyebrow in wonder.

"I didn't name you Lucky for nothing." His father said.

"Well how about this for a lucky guess, are they coming back?"

"Candace isn't stupid. She probably wants you to change to a safer locale but you don't want to. You want to keep the memory alive here in Darteret, visiting Creek Dams River but she and Max are ready to move on. Away from it all.  Lucky, they know it wasn't your fault that Babe, that you all were attacked by something the government almost looks at as endangered. It's funny how man doesn't make that same list. Son, I know you were just being a disobedient child by not listening to me and it cost our family dearly. I love you and always have. There's nothing that can bring your little sister back and I know that.  Babe was the youngest of you all and she was the one that was cherished just a bit more because she was the baby. I'm sure you understand that." His father said, continuing to sit still in his chair.

"I do." Lucky answered.

"Well then you understand why your mom and me separated. She couldn't handle it and I tried but it didn't work." His father said. "Lucky, why won't you just quit that job and let the police take care of it?" His father asked.

"Because I owe it to Babe and it's a job that no one wants." Lucky answered.

His father got up and faced him. "I know you miss your sister. We all do but it's not worth killing yourself too. I think Babe would want her big brother to be alive and well and not chasing ghosts. Will you think about quitting at least for your own sake?"

"Dad, the law wants nothing to do with werewolves. If only you could see what I see, you'd understand."

"Lucky, I already do understand. But your life, I want to save. I don't want to have to identify what's left of you to the very one's you say want no part in protecting and serving the neighborhood. It would become their problem along with all of the government laws that you have to follow."

"Dad," Lucky said, "I'm not quitting. I actually like what I do. I have a doctor on board—" Lucky stops, his hands at his sides, speechless.

"What's the matter?" His dad asked.

"The doctor is the only one I think I can trust.  I need a new receptionist and possibly a photographer. A new building wouldn't hurt either." Lucky said, sitting on the sofa, leaving his dad standing.

"Son, it's already getting to you."

"Dad?," Lucky looked up and into his father's eyes. "I have to do this. It's the only way I can make it up to Babe for me being so careless. Please don't talk me out continuing what I do because what I do is for Babe and for the neighborhood. I have plans to expand into Creek Dams. It needs a beast hunter as well." Lucky said, standing, meeting his father with a hug.

"I love you dad." Lucky said.

"And don't forget, I love you too son. Your mom is proud of you. You know she is." His dad said reassuringly.

Lucky nodded, agreeing with his father.

"I'll see you later. Ok? And thanks for clearing up some things that were on my mind."

His dad smiled and nodded his approval.

Lucky left his father's house satisfied with their meeting.

"What's next?" Lucky asked himself aloud as he looked up at the night sky, trying to find the moon.