Episode 13. Dinner at The Lost Spur

The whole family is invited to a meal at a fancy restaurant.

In May of 1989, Robert graduated with a dual bachelor's degree in mathematics and business administration. He's twenty three years old having worked a full time job and been a full time student concurrently for several years. He's happy to have mostly avoided debt while a student, and he's looking forward to starting work as a computer programmer for Lexington Industries in Minneapolis. It's a decent salary and has great benefits. The best part of this job is that Robert will get his own workspace so he can mostly work without interference.

Robert's relationship with his father Mel is going well. Mel has stayed sober now for four years, and is doing well with his small bookkeeping and tax prep business. Robert is relieved that his dad has become 'dad' again, whereas Robert felt as if he instead the parent in the relationship for a few years. Mel is proud of Robert for being a college graduate who's worked very hard, andl tells him so often. Robert is the first in the family to graduate college.

At various times each year, either Jeannie or Mel will arrange a family get together. In August of that year Jeannie invited all family members to a dinner at The Lost Spur Restaurant in Eagan. Mel and Jeannie, although divorced, get along reasonably well. They agree that keeping the family close is a challenge but well worth it. For this event Mel is not able to make it due to a previous commitment he's made with a client.

At the meal, Robert is excited to see so many family members, including siblings and several young nephews. All five of Robert's siblings are in attendance, two of his brothers in law, all three of his nephews, and his two young nieces.

But Robert is also disheartened to hear several negative comments made about Mel during dinner. A few are complaining that he didn't make it, and there is a comment made that maybe family isn't important to dad anymore. This is frustrating! If dad were here he'd be crushed. Can't these people appreciate their own father? Even my own nephews are making harsh comments-and they're barely teenagers.

At the end of the meal while everyone is enjoying their dessert Robert speaks up and calmly tells several family members how well dad is doing now and how he shouldn't still have to pay a price for past conduct. "Everyone makes mistakes." No one says anything in reply, but when Robert is later walking to his car he overhears one of his brothers in law say, "He has no idea of what he's talking about. Robby is living in his own little world. He's a daddy's boy." Robert decides to simply let it go. I love these people and I loved seeing them tonight, but their pettiness and negativity is depressing.

Later, when Robert returns home to his apartment he calls his dad to check on him and they enjoy a nice chat. "We all missed you dad. It wasn't the same without you."

"Thanks man." A grateful Mel says. "I hated missing out tonight, but it couldn't be helped. I love you Robert."

"I love you too dad."

After hanging up the phone, Robert pulls the curtain closed on the main window in his living room. Before it closes he sees an unusual car across the street. A man appears to be sitting alone in the drivers seat. Ever since Kathy's death it's become common for Robert to tense up when seeing unexpected things. The man in the car appears to be watching Robert's apartment.

Reviews

[DIVYA]

A great chapter to read on Robert's achievements and I enjoyed how the boy built himself up into a graduate with a great job with little financial and other support by way of family. He seems so mindful of where he wants to go and has such a clear vision of what he wants in life for himself. While reading this chapter, I almost forgot his heinous act in just the last chapter! I think you're doing a great job of outline and shaping his dual character: One, the good, conscientious and industrious Robert and the other, a dark, ominous killer who lurks in the shadows and emerges at certain types of provocation. So well done here Frankie.

I love the family gathering you described and once again I noted Robert's clear affinity for his dad, Mel. It felt like he was the only one really willing to understand Mel and forgive him for his failings and for which he was well trying to makeup. One feels the twinge of a broken family in your words.

As I read through the chapter, there was an undercurrent and a tension you maintained and I wondered why as it was just a normal family event and there it was right at the end of the chapter! A man watching Robert's apartment! Sent a shiver down my spine! I wonder how Robert is going to process that and deal with it.

Great going Frankie! This story is such a puller! I'm so looking forward to the next Chapter.

[Franky]

You are a wonderful encouragement to me Divya. I appreciate you so very much. Thank you for your excellent thoughts and feedback. It's just what I need.

[DIVYA]

I'm very engaged with the story. So please write on. You're most welcome.

[Sara Mercury]

Yep, he's under surveillance...