Setting: post series
Disclaimer: Warner Brothers and Shoot the Moon Enterprises own these wonderful characters. All I get from writing about them is the chance to visit with Lee and Amanda from time to time.
Distinguishing Marks – by AlaskanFan
Distinguishing marks: any permanent mark, such as scars, moles or tattoos, which can be used to confirm identity
Distinguished: (1) characterized by excellence; (2) dignified or elegant
It was a rare opportunity to feast her eyes on her husband's nearly naked body. The long, lean body was glistening with sunscreen and glowing from days in the sun. Even at rest, his muscles were clearly defined as he twitched in response to the breeze-blown sand or a trespassing insect. After four days of vigorous water play with two teenaged boys, he needed this after-lunch rest probably more than they did.
His face was turned away from her, but his deep, even breathing indicated that he might be sleeping. She knew the feel of his back, but she rarely spent time simply looking at it. His body bore the marks of his profession – permanent scars that could be classified as distinguishing marks.
There was a bullet hole in his thigh from one of their earliest cases together when he protected a top secret weapon. Arrogant, cocky, and jaw-dropping impressive as he pushed beyond the pain of his wound to defend them from their pursuers.
Her eyes traveled leisurely up the length of his body to focus on another scar on his right shoulder from their first Christmas when he had left the scant protection of the cabin to move aggressively against their KGB attackers. That time he was protecting a fellow agent and herself.
A thin scar across the back of his arm was from a knife wound. On that occasion, Lee had been attacked in the airport parking garage when someone had tried to steal the list of Lee's network of informants. Dozens of patriots and their families were at risk in that fight. Lee had been desperate to protect all of those people.
The crease along his ribs always brought to mind their wedding as his assignment that week had resulted in yet another injury from a bullet. It was never clear whether that bullet had been intended for him or the troublesome Nick Grant, but it was another reminder of the dangers of his profession. That wound was a precursor to the scar on her left shoulder from their honeymoon. Due to the timing of these wounds, they seemed like a matched set.
There were other scars – many of them fading – mementos of a life dedicated to serving his country.
Distinguishing marks which indicated a distinguished man.
Lee Stetson lived a life of risk, honing his skills for his own safety and the safety of others, whether teammates or civilians.
Excellence in languages.
Keen intellect storing names, faces, and details.
Perceptive interpretation of motives and alliances.
Tenacity in the most difficult challenges.
Prowess in weapons training and physical skills.
A distinguished career of information gathering and analysis.
A man of excellence in every aspect - undercover operative (elegant or brutal as needed), friend, father, husband, lover. Her heart swelled with love for this man – a larger-than-life hero who had vowed to love and cherish her – her - for all the days of his life. Her mind offered a slide show of brilliant moments - his daring deeds for her, his smiles, his words. Tears filled her eyes at the memories. A lifetime would not be long enough to fully express their love. She was swept up in breathtaking wonder. She closed her eyes feeling grateful and blessed.
"Mom, how much longer do we have to wait?"
"I think it's been long enough. You can go..."
Her words were cut off by a roar as the long form beside her rose in one fluid motion, captured her son around the waist, hoisted the youth to his shoulder, and raced into the ocean. The tender moment was gone and life resumed its vibrant rhythm.
The End