One at a time, he demonstrated the moves for knife hand, front and back kicks, along with heel-stomp kick. Each time they yelled, “Hyah!” with gusto as they followed his everymove.
When the test ended, fifteen minutes later, they bowed in unison and Sensei joined Crockett on the mat. “Mr. Wilde, your students are well trained. How do you think they performed this evening?” she asked, projecting so the last row of guests couldhear.
“They did a fantastic job and I recommend each student for promotion to yellowbelt.”
“Congratulations, students!” shesaid.
The audience applauded while Crockett awarded each tyke with a certificate. The other adult instructors quickly added a yellow strip of adhesive tape to their white belts. As the proud little ones traipsed off the mats, Crockett shook each of their smallhands.
“Thank you, Mr. Wilde.” Hannah beamed. “That wasfun.”
Pleased with her newfound confidence, Crockett smiled. “You did a great job,Hannah.”
An hour and a half later, Crockett left the karate studio still brimming with pent-up energy and no foreseeable outlet. He tossed his duffel onto the passenger seat and jumped into his truck. Two minutes from home, his cell rang. Kimberly Mitus. He hit thespeaker.
“Hi, Kimberly, are you okay?” Crockett tried to hide his concern for the late night call. He worried about his best friend’s mom. She’d been undergoing chemo and radiation treatment for brain cancer. Initially, she’d had a tough go of it, but the recent change in her medication seemed to behelping.
“Goodness, yes. I’m checking to see if you’re going to Colton’s party Fridaynight.”
“I wouldn’t miss giving him a hard time about getting engaged. Do you need a ride?” heasked.
“You might not be my child, but you’re definitely my favorite.” He could hear the smile in her voice. “Thanks, but Alexandra is taking me. Have you seen her since she gotback?”
“No,” he replied dryly. He hadn’t spoken with Alexandra in eleven years, though their last conversation had been branded into his long-termmemory.
“I can’t wait to meet Brigit,” she said, breaking the silence Crockett refused tofill.
“She’s good for Colton. You’ll love her.” He pulled into the garage of his Rosslyn high-rise.
“Alexandra said theexactsamething.”
Persistent like a Mitus.“I might lose you.” He cut the engine in his assigned spot. “I’m parking in mybuilding.”
“Thanks for emailing me the photos of your new condo. Beautiful views. Who did I ask to work with youagain?”
“Tammy Mackley. I’m sorry it couldn’t have beenyou.”
“Me, too.” Kimberly sighed. “Maybe you can help Alexandra find a place. She’s renting a room in the Lyon Park area ofArlington.”
He wanted to laugh. Kimberly led one of the most successful real estate teams in Northern Virginia and she wantedhimto help find her daughter a place to live. “How are you feeling since the doc changed your meds?” Crockett asked, refusing to take thebait.
She hesitated. “As well as can beexpected.”
After grabbing his bag, he headed toward the elevators. “I hope they make all the difference.” But he knew the truth and his chest ached. “I’ll see youFriday.”
“Looking forward to it. Good night,dear.”
Though he could see right through Kimberly’s scheming ways, he couldn’t help but crack a smile. As the elevator ascended, he wondered how Alexandra was adjusting to being back east. Though he’d never admit it to Kimberly, Friday couldn’t come soonenough.
Once inside his spacious new penthouse, he dropped his karate and computer bags on one of the stacks of still-packed boxes. His old, outdated furniture looked out of place in the elegant space with the phenomenal views of downtownDC.
After a hot shower, he wrapped the towel around his waist and styled his wet hair with a few finger swipes.Good enough. His cell phone rang. It was after eleven. Why was his realtor calling so late?Why is she calling at all?“Hey, Tammy, what’sup?”
“I’ve made a specialdelivery.”
“What does thatmean?”
“Open your frontdoor.”
