Chapter 36

Sam had met Grim in front of the hospital , and he saw her relief when he told her that Alpha was awake and safe.

_ So, he said, I gave Alpha and Kestrel three days off, starting tomorrow. We could use some rest, too.

_ Absolutely, she said. And we'll be able to have some privacy at last.

Sam locked eyes with her. She was deadly serious, and he thought that maybe the time had come to assess their situation.

_ Okay, I'll tell the team to be away and watch their backs. Meeting aboard the Paladin on Saturday at 8 o'clock.

_ Good, she said, watching him send the message via his OPSAT.

_ So, Ms Grimsdottir, where do we go?

_ I was thinking about some cozy hotel in Honolulu, Mr Fisher, she smiled. I could use a drink and a lengthy bath with hot water and foaming bubbles.

_ Good program, he nodded. Do you know of a place?

_ Not really. Let's pick it up on instinct.

Sam hailed a taxi who drove them downtown. Soon they saw a big resort hotel, and Grim said:

_ That would be good, don't you think?

He nodded, and they checked in. Grim had thought to prepare a small bag with some clothes for Sam and her, and he was grateful for that. The room they were given was small but brightly lit and had a big bathtub, all good for Sam. They had a wonderful view of the Waikiki bay under the sun. He could easily forget all the trouble about Meggido and think himself on holidays with Grim.

_ Hungry? he asked her.

_ Starving, she said, but my bath first, if you don't mind.

_ Not at all. I'll call Sarah.

_ Will you tell her about us?

Sam looked at Grim's expression, and knew that they needed to talk about their relationship. But he smiled and said:

_ Yes, I'll tell her.

Then he crossed the bedroom and stopped right in front of her, next to her open bag, his eyes riveted on hers. He raised his hand and gently caressed her cheek.

_ Are you afraid to be with me?

_ I... no... maybe... she stammered uneasily. It's just that...

_ What? he asked her, searching her eyes.

_ Sam, she breathed deeply. We've known each other for so many years now. We work together. Even if I'm in love with you, it's not easy to change from colleagues to...

_ I understand, he cut her gently. It's weird for me too. But remember one thing, please. No more field missions for me. It's over. Now I'll try to be the director of Fourth Echelon, staying behind and watching Briggs and Kestrel from the control room. We'll work even more together. How will we do that? You used to be alone in charge. What will be my place next to you? And the fact that we're a couple, will it be good or bad for us or Fourth Echelon?

He was voicing at last the questions that had been jostling in his head for a long time, and he knew he must answer them to date her serenely. Work and love were intertwined for them, there could not be one without the other. Grim took his hand and together they sat on the large bed.

_ Okay, me must talk, she said. First of all, I love you, Sam. And I want to be with you, I want to live with you. That said, I think it won't be easy to work together if we keep our posts in Fourth Echelon like they are now. You're the commander, and I'm in charge of the operations. We have the same role under a different name.

_ Yeah, that's what's bothering me. I don't want to appear like a jerk on your premises, Grim. You do a wonderful job. It's just that I have decided to retire from the field, but I can't and don't want to quit Fourth Echelon. In theory I'm commander and the director, but in fact? It's you, and you know it.

_ No, it isn't, she said. And I know exactly what we'll do to work together without conflicts.

_ Tell me.

_ How about you take the decisions, I stay in charge of the operations, like now? But you would not be at my post, you'd be the ops' field runner.

_ What?

_ Sam, I've thought about it for a long time. You're a man of action, not really into tactics and strategy, although you do a good job when you're in it. But I do think that you're a born commander, a field leader. You could train our ops, and be their field runner, like Frances Coen was to you in Third Echelon. Thus, we'd have separate tasks inside Fourth Echelon, just what we need to work together. Me in the missions, you with the ops. But you man the helm, you'll have the last word.

He thought about it for a moment. The idea had surprised him, but it was a good idea. He could be where he wanted to be, near the field with the ops, helping them survive and teaching them what he knew.

_ I think that's great, Grim, he said earnestly. That's exactly what I need to do.

_ I knew it, she smiled widely.

_ I love you, Grim.

He kissed her, and she kissed him back. Completely alone for the first time, without the risk of somebody knocking on the door, they caressed each other, discovering their skins and bodies. Soon the idea of a bath and a phone call was postponed as they stripped clothes and made love on the bed. Sam was in heaven, and so was Grim.

The afternoon passed in a blur. They ordered lunch in the bedroom, and made love again. They slept until the following morning, and Grim teased Sam about his soft snoring. He kissed her to keep her quiet, and they had another round. But after that, Grim got up and said:

_ No more, Fisher! I' m going to take a well-earned bath.

_ Can I join you in a few minutes?

_ Only to scrub my back, she replied with a wink.

_ No problem, he said. I'll call Sarah, then.

_ Say hello for me.

_ Will do.

As Grim disappeared in the bathroom and turned open the tap, Sam sat on the bed and took his cellphone. He dialed Sarah's number, and after a few seconds she was on the line.

_ Hello?

_ Sarah, honey!

_ Dad! How are you?

_ I'm great, thanks. Just wanted to have some news. Are you all right?

_ Yes, fine, Dad, thanks. I'm home with uncle Vic's bodyguard. A very nice fellow.

_ Oh, that's good, I guess. Does he protect you well?

_ Not a problem since my come back in Baltimore, she said. Actually, he has never left me, since we've started dating almost immediately.

_ What?

_ Don't be so surprised, Dad, she said calmly. He's cute, very handsome, and he teaches me karate.

_ What's his name again?

_ Dad... she sighed. His name's Ben Woodridge, he's my age and a former Marine sergeant. You can check out his file if you want, but he's clean.

_ Oh! Okay...

Sam recovered quickly, and was reassured to know that her beloved daughter was in the hands of a soldier.

_ Well, congratulations, honey! Do you love him?

_ A lot, she said. Don't worry, Dad, I tend to be extra-careful with my dates now.

_ I know, and that's good. Sarah... About a date...

He wanted to tell her, but he was a little afraid of her reaction. She knew Grim very well, she was like a second mother to his daughter, but would she be happy for him? Would she understand?

_ You've met someone at last? she rejoiced. About time! What's her name? Do I know her?

_ Actually you do, he said, taking a deep breath and feeling like he was diving into a bottomless pool. I'm in love with Grim.

The scream he heard in his ear nearly burst his eardrum, and he put away his phone as long as he could hear it, but there could be no mistake. Sarah was whooping happily!

_ At last! she finally said. It was time you saw her love for you! And I know you've been in love with her for a long time. That's so cool, Dad! I'm so happy for you!

_ Thanks, darling.

He was moved to hear her like that. She was happy. And Grim had found the solution for them in Fourth Echelon. All was well.

_ Gotta go, Sarah. Take care. And Grim says hello.

_ Okay, Dad. Say hello to her too. Love you.

_ Love you too.

He hung up, smiling widely, his heart light, and went to see Grim in her bath and scrub her back.