This is the last story in the series involving Ghag Huchay. The reader should be familiar with the stories "Crown of Thorns" and "Goodness Triumphs Over Evil" to get the full enjoyment of this story.
Loose Ends
By JSRobertson
Chapter 1
It was late Thursday afternoon and Admiral Harriman Nelson, mastermind of the Nelson Institute of Marine Research and his submarine, Seaview, was trying to clear off his desk before he left early Friday morning for a long weekend. Two of Harry's friends, Admiral's Jack Warner and Peter Dotson were retiring after thirty-five years of service in the Navy and a formal attired retirement party was being held on Saturday night in their honor. Lee Crane, Captain of his submarine, would also be attending since he had dealings with both Admirals in the past and was included on the guest list. Harry needed to be there Friday night since he was meeting the two Admirals along with Jiggs Starke for a men's only dinner.
Harry had signed his last letter and was on his way to give it to Angie, his PA, when the phone rang.
"Yes, Angie," Harry answered impatiently.
"Sir, I have Dr. Simmons for you," she told him. "He said it was important."
Sighing, "I'll take it; put it through."
"Hello Alex, what can I do for you? I was just getting ready to leave for the weekend," Harry stated.
"Sorry, Harry, I'll make it short. Could you be at the Naval Submarine Base (NSB) Kings Bay by Wednesday morning? I'd like leave on the mission to Antarctica."
"Let me check with Captain Crane, but I don't think it'll be a problem. I'll get back to you later."
"Thanks, Harry, and sorry for the late notice," Alex replied.
As soon as Harry hung up, he had Angie summon Lee and Chip Morton, Seaview's XO, to his office so he could let them know the status of the mission that had been postponed earlier was now ready to go. It wasn't too long before he heard a soft rap on his door.
"Come," he said as Lee and Chip entered his office and sat down in the chairs in front of Nelson's desk.
"Dr. Simmons called and he's ready to move on the voyage again. He would like us to be at the Naval Submarine Base (NSB) Kings Bay by Wednesday morning. Will that be a problem?"
"No sir, if we leave Monday afternoon, we should be there Tuesday night," Lee answered quickly figuring the timeframe in his head.
"I'll make sure the boat is loaded and ready to shove off," Chip added knowing it would be a challenge getting the boat ready since Lee and Janet would be gone for the weekend. He'd enlist the help of Bobby O'Brien and Chief Sharkey to make sure the boat was ready to sail. He knew that Janet had the mission packet ready so he'd just have to grab that off her desk.
"Thanks, men, I'll let him know we'll be there and make sure his equipment and gear are ready for us to load at the base when we arrive. Lee, I'm planning on leaving tomorrow for Washington D.C. at 0800 hours."
"Yes, sir. I'll make sure FS-1 is checked out and ready to leave at that time."
"Good," Harry responded as both men stood up and left his office.
Harry wasn't too far behind them. He said goodbye to Angie and walked out the door ready to start the weekend.
()()()()()()()
Lee and Janet were up early Friday morning, showered and prepared to leave. While Janet finished up in the bathroom, Lee slipped on his navy-blue shirt and was putting on his jeans when Janet was ready to leave the bathroom. She stopped to watch him zip up his jeans. He turned around and saw her watching him.
"Is there something wrong?" he asked curiously.
"No, nothing's wrong," Janet purred, "you're lucky we have a schedule to keep or I'd have you back in bed."
"How about I make it up to you later?" Lee laughed taking her into his arms and giving her a kiss.
"Deal and I will hold you to that," she replied and returned his kiss.
Lee put the rest of items he needed into his suitcase and zipped it up. He double checked the garment bag making sure he had everything he needed for his dinner dress uniform, including the miniature medals. He saw his cover was hanging from a hanger and his shoes were in the bottom of the bag and noticed Janet's dress was also in there. All set, he thought and zipped up the bag.
Janet put on her necklace, earrings, rings, watch and the bracelet Lee bought her from Kolenovo. Even though the bracelet had caused a lot of trouble for them, it was still a sweet reminder of Lee's love for her; she loved the bracelet and wore it every day. She finished packing and grabbed the small bag she needed for her toiletries as Lee took their luggage downstairs. While he put all bags in the car, Janet made coffee and toast. They quickly ate breakfast, cleaned up and left for the Institute.
()()()()()()()
Lee pulled into the parking lot of the hangar where FS-1 was parked. He parked the SUV just as Kowalski, who was helping him check out the flying sub, pulled into the space next to them. He opened the door for Janet and met Lee at the back of the car. Ski took the garment bag and put it over his shoulder and grabbed Janet's suitcase while Lee took his.
"Good morning, Skipper, Mrs. C.," he said happily.
"Morning Ski," they responded as they walked to the door of the hangar.
"Thanks for coming in early," Lee said after they entered the hangar.
"No problem, Skipper."
They walked to the aft hatch of FS-1 where Lee turned the wheel and opened it up for Kowalski so he could put the garment bag on the bunk and stow the suitcases. Once everything was stowed, he then took the clipboard from the hook so they could begin the check off list. Janet watched the two of them work like a well-oiled machine. When they finished, Ski went to the front of the building and pushed the button on the huge hangar door. Lee then walked around the outside of little sub making sure everything was in order, while Ski removed the chocks from the wheels.
By the time they'd finish checking out the sub, Harry had pulled into the parking lot. Kowalski hustled over and opened the door for him.
"Thanks, Kowalski," Harry said as they retreated to the back of the car.
Kowalski removed Nelson's garment bag and suitcase then carried them over to FS-1 and stowed the bags.
"All set, Skipper."
"Thanks again, Ski," Lee replied. "We'll see you on Sunday. I'll radio the Institute when we're ready to land. I'm going to bring her right to the boat so she'll be ready to go when we leave on Monday."
"Yes, sir. We'll be waiting for you and I'll make sure your cars are parked in the lot near the sub pen," Ski answered. "Have a safe flight and have a good weekend."
"Thanks, Kowalski," Harry responded. "Ready to go?"
"Yes, sir, whenever you are."
Lee entered the sub and helped Janet in. Harry sat down in the pilot's seat, but he knew Lee loved to fly the little sub so he didn't mind being the co-pilot this time around. Janet strapped in the seat in back and didn't know what to expect since she'd never taken off from land before.
Lee strapped in his seat after securing the hatch. He turned on the engines, checked out the gauges and slowly rolled FS-1 out of the hangar.
Lee taxied the little sub to the end of the runway and took off. Once he was airborne, he radioed the tower at the Santa Barbara airport letting them know he was in their air space. He had filed a flight plan with them along with NIMR's communication center. He was cleared to his desired altitude and headed east as they began their weekend.
()()()()()()()
"Admiral," Janet piped up an hour into the flight, but Harry interrupted her before she could continue.
"Two items I need to discuss with you, first, we're not going to talk about any business on this trip and second, you're to call me Harry from now on, unless it's necessary to be more formal. Understood?"
"Yes, sir," Lee and Janet replied.
"Now what were you going to say?" Harry inquired.
"I'm curious about how you met Admiral's Warner and Dotson?"
"We met at the academy. Jack Warner and I were roommates. Peter was Jiggs' roommate. We had a lot classes together and would also go out when we found the time. We'd cover for each if someone stayed out past curfew or got into trouble."
"Ad…Harry," Janet said. "Trouble…I never thought you'd get into trouble."
Harry laughed. "Oh, there were a few times when we pushed the limit. I'm sure Lee knows what I'm talking about. All work and no play gets very boring, so you have to do something."
"What did you do?" Lee asked.
Harry went on to tell them a story of how they got in trouble in a bar and he had to drag Jiggs' and Peter out before the police got there.
Lee smiled as Harry told his story.
"I'm sure Lee has some stories about his time at the academy with Chip, Joey and a few others," Harry replied.
"Yes, there were a few incidents where we almost got caught," Lee interjected. "Chip saved my six a few times and I had to save his too."
Lee told a couple of stories that Harry didn't even know about while Harry added a few more of his own. Janet sat there listening to the two of them talk about their experiences at the academy just like a father and son would do. Harry looked over at Lee and smiled. Lee knew that smile and waited for Harry to make his move.
"Janet, you're awful quiet back there. I'm sure you've done some things you're not proud of," Harry said innocently.
Janet looked at Harry and saw him smiling and then at her husband who'd turned around to see her reaction to Harry's question.
"Well," Janet replied knowing she'd been set up, so she told them about the time that she and her friends had tried drinking and they got drunk. She had to walk home from her friend's house and she fell off the curb just as a police car drove by.
"That's the worst thing you've ever done?" Lee asked trying hard not to laugh, but Harry couldn't help himself.
"Yes, and it wasn't funny at the time, but now it is kind of funny," she answered laughing too.
Lee and Harry had more stories to tell when they were at sea and stopped in various ports around the world. Before long they were approaching Reagan National Airport so Lee had to turn his attention back to flying FS-1 and prepare to land.
()()()()()()()
Lee was cleared to land and taxied to a remote section of the airport, where he completed the shut-down procedures before opening the rear hatch. Harry and Janet un-buckled their harnesses and went over to the bunk and storage area. Lee opened the hatch, hopped out and they handed him the gear. Once all the gear was removed, he secured the little sub with his numeric fob.
"Dad, is it okay if I keep the keys," Lee asked with a jestful grin.
"Sure son, as long as you don't take her out for a joy ride," Harry chuckled.
Lee grabbed Janet's bag and the garment bags and flung them over his shoulder. Janet took Lee's suitcase while Harry handled his own. They walked across the tarmac and through the building to the street. The limo was waiting outside the building and the driver quickly took the garment bags from Lee and set them in the trunk. He stowed the rest of their bags and opened the door for them. Harry climbed in first followed by Janet and then Lee.
Harry gave him the name of the hotel they were staying at in Lafayette Square. It was the hotel where the retirement party was being held. Since it was late afternoon on Friday, traffic was a little heavy, but none of them minded the long ride as it gave them time to look around. Janet had only been to Washington a couple of times and didn't get to see much of the city when she was there, so she was looking forward to having some time to sightsee.
They pulled up in front of the hotel and the door man opened the car door for them. Their bags were quickly transferred to waiting luggage cart, and the porter followed them to the front desk and waited for them to check in. Once complete, they headed to the elevators and up to their rooms.
()()()()()()()
Lee and Janet's room was next to Harry's. They exited the elevator and walked down the hall coming to Harry's room first.
"I'll see you tomorrow night," Harry told them. "I'm having dinner tonight with the admirals and tomorrow morning breakfast with them and their wives. I'm sorry I won't be spending much time with you, but we'll meet for breakfast on Sunday, say 0900."
"Yes, sir and don't worry about it," Lee replied. "There's plenty to do here, so we'll keep busy. Just have a good time."
"Thanks," Harry answered as he inserted his key card into the slot and opened the door.
Before he entered the room, Janet remarked, "Don't let them talk you into retiring."
"I won't," he replied with a grin. "I'm not ready," he said entering the room and closing the door behind him.
()()()()()()()
Lee and Janet walked the short distance down the hall to their room where Lee inserted his key card and opened the door, letting Janet go in first. Janet walked over to the window to see a fantastic view of the White House.
Lee joined her at the window and put his arm around her waist. He bent down to give her a kiss, but was interrupted by a knock on the door. Lee checked the peep hole and it was the porter with their luggage. He let him in and he hung up the garment bags and put their bags on the luggage stands. Lee gave him a tip and he quickly left.
"Now where was I," Lee asked when he returned to Janet's side.
"I think you were going to kiss me," Janet purred.
He bent down and gave her a kiss and hug.
"How about we get some dinner and then you can keep your promise from this morning," Janet suggested.
"Good plan," Lee replied.
Janet picked up her purse and sweater. Lee took her hand as they made their way to the elevator.
()()()()()()()
Lee had never been to this part of Washington, so he checked with the concierge and she recommended a restaurant not too far from the hotel. The street was crowded with tourists and people going home from work. They walked hand in hand down the street to the small restaurant. Even though the street was packed with people, the restaurant wasn't very busy so they didn't have to wait for a table. They had a very enjoyable meal and were happy they came early, because by the time they were ready to leave the place was packed and people were waiting to be seated. Since it was a beautiful evening, they decided to walk around.
Lee helped Janet put on her sweater after they left the restaurant. They walked down to Constitution Avenue and looked back at the White House.
"Wow, that's very impressive," Janet stated.
"Yes, it is," Lee concurred as they stood there in silence.
Lee squeezed her hand and they walked back to the hotel.
"We'll check out some more sights tomorrow. There's really a lot to do here."
"Sounds good, but I'm really tired. I haven't done anything, but just flying across country tires me out," Janet replied as they entered the hotel and went to their room.
()()()()()()()
Lee turned on the TV while Janet went to the dressing area and got ready for bed. She opened Lee's bag and put on the top of his pajamas, leaving him the bottoms. She returned to the bedroom area and noticed Lee had already turned down the bed. She climbed in and put the pillows up the against the headboard while Lee changed. He came back to the room, slipped in next to her and turned off the light leaving the room illuminated by only the TV. She snuggled up to him and put her hand on his chest.
"Lee," Janet said softly.
"What," Lee replied as he rubbed her arm.
"Do you know what this movie's about?"
"No, not really, but it's the only thing on that looked interesting."
"I know something more interesting," Janet cooed as she undid the drawstring on Lee's pajamas and slid her hand down into them. Lee moaned when Janet found her target. He turned off the TV, slipped out of the bottoms and scooted down into the bed while Janet removed the pajama top and tossed it to the bottom of the bed. She then moved on top of Lee and they let their passion take over.
()()()()()()()
Lee woke up early the next morning, but Janet was still asleep. He'd let her sleep in while he went to look for some coffee and breakfast. He quietly left the room and went to the lobby where he found the coffee shop open. He bought a few cups of coffee and rolls and returned to the room. Janet was still sleeping so he took his shower, shaved and put on a pair of jeans and polo shirt. He went over to the table by the window and opened the curtains slightly to let in some light so he could read the paper he picked up with breakfast. He'd finished one cup of coffee when he saw Janet stirring. She sat up in bed surprised to see Lee dressed and reading the paper. She looked at her phone she'd put on the night stand.
"Lee, it's only 0800 and you've already got breakfast," she muttered. "Looks like you've showered too. Can't you ever sleep in?"
Smiling, "Nope, can't do that. You better hurry up and get ready before I drink your cup of coffee," Lee teased.
"Okay," Janet replied with a grin as she got out of bed. She gathered the items she needed for the shower and headed into the bathroom. She exited it a few minutes later and took out a pair of jeans and white shirt out of her suitcase. She quickly dressed and did her make-up. She walked over to the table and kissed Lee on the top of his head then sat down and picked up a cup of coffee and a roll.
"Anything interesting in the paper?" she asked as she nibbled her roll.
"No, not really. I was looking to see if there was anything special taking place at any of the attractions but nothing exciting."
"What are we going to do today?"
"I thought if you wanted to, we can check out the Washington monument, Lincoln Memorial, and maybe the Capitol building, and then stop for a late lunch since we're not going to have dinner until later this evening."
"Works for me," Janet answered as she finished up breakfast. She threw out the garbage, straightened up the room and put on her shoes. "I'm ready when you are."
Lee put down the paper, stood up and walked over to Janet. He kissed her and grabbed the key to the room while she took her purse. They exited the hotel to a bright and sunny day with unseasonably warm temperatures. They would start at the Capitol Building and work their way back to the Lincoln Memorial since it was the furthest away.
()()()()()()()
It was early afternoon and Lee and Janet had visited the attractions they wanted to see plus added a few more. They were hungry so they stopped at a café on their way back to the hotel. It wasn't very large, but very cozy with the tables covered in red and white checked table cloths.
Lee ordered a beer and Janet a glass of wine. They looked over the menu and decided on chicken wrap sandwiches. When the waitress returned with their drinks, she took their order and they talked about the sights they'd seen.
"What was your favorite attraction?" Lee asked as he took a swig of his beer.
"I think the Lincoln Memorial," Janet answered reflectively. "What was yours?"
"The Capitol Building," Lee responded decisively.
They finished eating and after the waitress had removed their plates, Lee finished up his beer, and signaled the waitress for their bill.
When they left the restaurant, the weather had gotten cooler and the once sunny skies were now overcast threatening rain so they quickly walked back to the hotel and went to their room.
"I don't know what you have planned, but a nap would be nice since we're going to be up late tonight," Lee suggested giving Janet a kiss.
"Good idea," she replied mischievously as she turned down the bed.
()()()()()()()()
The couple napped for a couple of hours before it was time for them to get ready. After showering, Lee put on his uniform.
"I'm sure glad we didn't have to wear the 'choker' uniforms," he remarked referring to the dress white uniforms with the high collar.
"It doesn't matter which one you wear, you always look handsome and sexy," Janet replied. "Could you please help me zip up my dress?"
"Sure." Lee zipped up Janet's wine-colored, off the shoulder long dress.
"Sweetheart, you don't look too bad yourself," Lee whistled at how fantastic she looked.
"Thanks, honey," Janet replied giving him a hug and picked up her cocktail purse. "Ready to go?"
"I guess so, but I think I'd rather stay here," Lee joked as he opened the door for her.