I rolled my eyes and headed for the chopper. Marshawn helped Flint into the chopper.
"You're sure you can fly this with the way you're shot up?" I asked doubtfully.
"Yeah, I'll be fine."
"Perhaps a better way of putting it would be, 'Should you be flying?'"
"Just get in and buckle up would you Lisa!" He responded testily and I gave up on my cautionary safety measures.
I turned to Marshawn and did something I had never done with any of my fellow siblings before. I hugged him hard and after a moment he returned it.
Drawing back I brushed the tears from off my face, "Thank you so much! We couldn't have done this without you!"
He looked at me, his eyes curious, "What made you trust me?"
I reached up and touched his face, "I've known that you were different ever since that day they beat me up and tied me to the dock post and were going to leave me there to drown in the evening tide. You came back and cut me free. Why did you do that Marshawn? I've always wondered?"
He shrugged, "Your mother was very kind to my mother, when she needed someone the most. She was also kind to me, after father sold my mother to some whore house in Asia. I thought I'd repay the favor."
I nodded. "What are you going to do now Marshawn?"
His face brightened up, "I have a business in France. Father doesn't know anything about it."
Now that was a surprise. "What do you do?"
A little embarrassed he said, "I make boats."
I smiled, "You always were whittling out small boats and sailing them out to sea. I'm happy for you! Now whether you like it or not I'm going to give you some big sister advice. Keep your business legal and be fair in your business dealings. Find a nice girl and make sure she's the right one and then settle down and enjoy the rest of your life. And above all don't forget about God in the process of living!"
He grinned, "Yes my queen."
"See that you do it!" I finished firmly before smiling. I took my golden earrings out and pressed them into his hand. "These should get you to France and knowing how smart you are I bet you have a nest egg or two to pave the rest of your way in life."
His grin was answer enough to that too. I turned to the chopper.
"Lisa"
I looked back.
"You go enjoy your life now too!"
I smiled wide, "I plan on it little brother!"