“No,” Chip said, laughing. “Not this time. The FBI showed up partially because of a guest – and partially because of our new owner.”

“Oh right! How’s he doing?”

Chip took a sip of his soda. “She’s doing great. I was a bit hard on her at the start, but to tell you the truth, she’s incredible.”

“Wow, high praise from you.” James took a bite of his meal. “What brought you all the way out here, then?”

Chip let out a sigh. “If I told you, I’d have to –”

“Don’t finish that,” said James, laughing. “I’m just joking.  I’m always interested in a good story. What happened?”

Chip sat back. “I’m not sure where to start, honestly. There are still some legal issues unresolved, but if they get resolved, I’ll tell you all about it.”

James shot him a concerned look. “Again, not your legal issues, right?”

“No, no.” Chip waved a hand. “Thankfully not. For once, I did the right thing. I think you’ll be proud of me.”

James smiled. “I’m always proud of you, Dad.”

James had to get back to work not long after that, but he promised that he’d come and visit soon. Chip wished him luck and told him he was welcome any time.

So much time had passed that Chip was certain flying with Rick was no longer an option. It was worth it to spend time with James. He pulled out his phone and booked the next, very expensive, flight back to Seattle.

It was a red-eye, and when he got in, there were no ferries for several hours. He decided to get a hotel room and catch some sleep before booking the express ferry to Friday Harbor, then the interisland ferry to Orcas.

As he stood on the deck of the ferry to Orcas Island, he could barely keep his eyes open. Even though it was beautiful, he was so tired. No wonder no one ever wanted to visit him. The trip took too long.

But as soon as he saw that beautiful island in the distance, he felt full of life again. The crystal-clear water, the miles and miles of trees and towering mountains – there was no other place like it on earth.

He landed at the ferry terminal and managed to convince Rhonda to pick him up.

“Where have you been?” Rhonda said as she popped open her passenger door. “We got raided yesterday!”

“I know, I know. I was trying to handle it.” He took a seat, shutting the door.

She pointed at him to buckle his seat belt. “You have no idea. They made a huge mess, and then they just left.”

Chip laughed. “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”

“It had better not,” she said. “Or I will call the FBI myself and demand they send a second super special team to clean up their mess.”