Re: Tandy/Billy/Atticus: the lake
First things first: 26, turning 27 on Halloween. Not a teenager. Also, not a werewolf. Had thought, at first, that the werewolf thing might persist, even with the island age-down, but no. Had stood under the full moon and hadn't howled once. No werewolf. Was almost sorry for that. Not that he had some great desire to become even hairier once a month, but lycanthropy was a popular literary device. Would be interesting to experience it. Vampirism too, come to think of it. But was just a guy on an island. Nothing supernatural about him, if you overlooked the whole thing with the haunts. But, as usual, the haunts hated the island. Didn't like going boating with him either, so was on his own as he led the ferry over still waters to the dock of assignation.
Was interested in meeting Billy's friend. Worried about the kid. Didn't like the whole 'unfinished business' thing with the warlock or wizard in the Capital. Not sure what the preferred terminology was.
Today, it was Atticus behind the wheel of the ferry. Had taken to picking up his own crates and ferrying them out. No need to keep someone on payroll for that. Was perfectly able to take the ferry out there himself. Had a cigarette in his hand as he steered, tucked between his fingers and burning down. No filter. Reds. Was dressed like always, more than a few days' growth on his cheeks, a coffee mug perched precariously in the space behind the wheel. Inside the ferry's belly, there was pizza. Homemade. Coal fired. Lobster. Sweet and buttery. Was also a cheese version, for the more faint of heart. Cokes in a cooler. Had considered beer, but wasn't sure how wise that was. Had the vintage boombox he'd ordered propped on one of the benches inside. Vintage. Couldn't believe something from the 90s was vintage, but was making some headway when it came to acceptance.
Bellied the ferry against the dock, and hopped over to toss Billy the rope for the dock's cleat. Once Billy took care of that, kicked it into reverse on low, just enough to pull the rope taut, and then he came back around to greet Billy and the roommate. Kid looked young, tall, serious. Billy looked as he always did. Liked the familiarity of it. Was easy to feel disenfranchised on the island. "Good day for the water," he said, and it was. Smooth. Not a wave in sight. Air still had a hint of warmth in it. Nice day to be out. "Hop on. Come aboard." Grinned his lazy, crooked smile and tucked his cigarette into the corner of his mouth, flattening paper, so he could reach a hand out for the tall kid to shake.