Great Deception

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

The next morning at HIU headquarters Ted, Andy and Cole met to try and figure out the events of the day before. After a lengthy analysis, they uneasily concluded that the right guy who planted the bomb was gone for good.

“How could we reach any other conclusion?” Andy said.

“I think we got the right guy,” Ted said in a less than convincing tone.

Turning to study the other two, “Yeah, it must have been him, the evidence is there,” Andy said.

Sullivan sat listening with a sullen look on his face. After a couple moments, “I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Let's not let our guard down just yet.”

Ted stood, stretched and began to pace. “I think that is prudent. What do you want us to do?”

Always looking for an opening, Andy asked, “What kind of word is prudent? Should a real man actually talk like that?” Ted simply shook his head.

Looking at Andy with a smirk, “We have reports to write, so let's concentrate on that for now,” Sullivan said.

Rising, Andy shuffled out the door and settled into his corner putting his feet up on his desk. He turned his head and studied the snow that had just started falling again. To himself he mumbled, “I fear it's going to be a long, cold winter.”

After Sullivan had gone to his office, Ted remained behind in the conference room and slouched in his chair thinking of retirement or not.

Later that day after dinner sipping his coffee, Cole said, “How do you really feel about my activation? You haven't said that much. I think you are holding something more back.”

Taking Cole by the hand, she led him from the nursery after placing Adam in his play pen. Once they were settled on the leather couch, “I'm not sure how to express what I feel because I'm not sure how to explain it to myself just yet. I just know I'm not going to be the same whimpering little wife that I was before. I just...”

Interrupting, “That was never tru...”

“Yes it was. I need to be strong if I am to survive this roller coaster our life has been. I just never know from day to day if you will be coming home uninjured or at all.” Looking at him with sad glassy eyes and touching the injury on his nose, “I'm not sure you fully appreciate what I go through everyday when you leave. I don't want to have to raise Adam alone, but I know that is a real possibility so I have to steel myself against that possibility.” Putting her head on his shoulder she gripped his arm digging her nails into his bicep.

“We have had this discussion before. Do you want me to give this job up? If that's what you want I am willing to do so,” he said while pulling his arm free, wrapping it around her shoulder and kissing her on the forehead.

“No, no, that's not what I want...well, maybe I do a little bit, but I know it would be wrong to tear you away from what we both believe you were meant to do.” Shifting her body, she crawled onto his lap and buried her face in his neck.

They stayed like that for several minutes holding each other. They both understood that there was no simple answer and it certainly was not one they could settle now. The reality of his upcoming Naval activation was forgotten for the moment.