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Show Fair Forever 156 Unlike Monday, the old guy knows me right off. And, surprise, he knows Katie as well. Her face lights up as soon as we step onto the patio. "Uncle Chess!" she cries. "I didn't know you knew Brad." She and the Captain give each other a warm hug! "How do you like this place?" "I,don't," the old guy grumbles, still holding her hands. "It's a jail." She laughs. "The Captain is your uncle?" I question, surprised by their greeting. "Not really," Katie explains. "But close. He and my grandpa were like brothers. They taught school together for years, and ran a charter boat service as partners for a few summers." "Back in the good old days," he says, still smiling! Katie nods and sits. "How do you know Brad?" she asks. "Bradley, of the Amazing Bladder?" He laughs. "We're old pals, now. He bought my boat." Kate shoots me a funny look. I shrug and attempt a weak smile. "I'll explain later-about the bladder part. The Captain and I met out at Beacon 9. I rowed out in my skiff one morning, and we sort of struck up a friendship. I tell him stories and he listens and carves." "He's quite famous for his carvings!" Katie boasts. "The Marine Museum bought a large piece to display in the entrance." "Posh!" says the Captain. "But you sold your boat?" Katie says ruefully. "You love that boat." She looks at me disapprovingly. |