The newly christened Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Gustefson were finally merged into one apartment and blissfully drifting back to a day to day routine. We stole one weekend together, remaining in New York, before answering a summons to join the others in Massachusetts.
Betsy located the families Howie saw in our last session. She confirmed, via the1940 Federal census report that they were in fact, living in the area. We guessed our offering was miniscule compared to what the others learned in our lengthy absence, if the excitement in Martha's voice on the phone was an indication. She teased us further by announcing Howie had moved east and rented a small apartment in nearby Boston. True to our verbal blackout, nothing specific was said but the tone of her conversation hinted at sensational news. It was with much anticipation we drove north on another Friday afternoon.
Howie was due within the hour so only Quinn and Martha met us at the door. It was already after ten. I was surprised to find their moods somber. The four of us gathered in the Le Blanc living room as soon as greetings were exchanged. Martha, who was now displaying her pregnancy, quickly explained.
"I promised Howie I wouldn't update you both until he arrived but I have to warn you, things are beginning to get tense. Quinn has made remarkable progress but Howie has become intractable on a number of issues. He insists you two be with us before we move forward. Anytime Quinn mentions outside intervention he is immediately vetoed."
Quinn grunted. "Frankly, he's a pain in the ass about everything. I'm a scientist and if I don't know an answer, I seek counsel from sharper brains. Howie won't hear of it. I told him he wouldn't be involved and I'd only ask general questions but he's adamant. There are tests I could conduct that would give us direction and maybe some answers but he refuses to even discuss them. I tried to sneak one in on my own. It pissed him off so much he cut off all tests just when we were making real progress."
Martha touched his arm. "Maybe now that our newlyweds are in town he'll be more reasonable."
"I wish he'd hurry," Betsy said. "I'm on pins and needles."
"If he did, it would be the first time," Quinn grumbled, earning a finger shaking reprimand from his wife.
I changed the subject and opened one of the bottles of wine we'd brought from New York. Martha looked at it longingly while the three of us emptied one in no time with Quinn doening the lion's share. I was uncorking a second bottle when Howie arrived. Following handshakes and greetings, we retreated to the living room. Tea totaling Martha assumed the role of spokesperson. Howie was as nervous as the first night of his dreams.