I apologize for the long delay again. The good news is that I already have the first 8 pages of Chapter 18 completed and have some time off from work, which means I can write in a more timely manner. Thanks for sticking with my slow pace of late. Everything will come together in Chapters 19 & 20 and all questions will finally be answered then.

Thank you for the feedback and messages of support. They are fantastic and much appreciated!

Chapter 17

Late August 2019

RAF Akrotiri

Cyprus

Finally, after what had seemed like donkey's years, we were traveling back to the U.K. After spending three weeks in Syria playing gooseberry to a group of arse clowns, I was eager to return to Stirling Lines. I suspected that Peanut and Spanner felt the same way. At least we would be flying home in the relative comfort of a government owned private jet versus a Hercules, even if it meant being stuck in the company said arse clowns for an additional 4.5 hours until we landed at RAF Northolt in West London.

Shortly after returning from Italy, I had been informed by my C.O. that I had been requested for a joint British/American covert intelligence operation involving MI6, the CIA, and Delta Force. The Op had involved extracting a high value asset and his family from a rogue ISIS splinter group in Syria. The man allegedly had critical intelligence that was of interest to both MI6 and the CIA. The CIA had brought in its own Delta Force team to perform the extraction, but MI6 thought the SAS was better suited for the job, which is why I had been called upon to play childminder to the Yanks. Fortunately, the powers that be, hadn't put up much of a fuss when I had insisted that my men accompany me.

Naturally, the Yanks had insisted on being in charge, which had been insufferable at times given that the Sergeant Major from Delta Force had been a special breed of dickhead. It also hadn't helped that the CIA's Operations Officer in charge was more suited to Fred Karno's Army than The Agency itself. The only saving grace had been Martin Stokes, from MI6's Counter Terrorism team. He was the real brains behind the operation. Stokes was a seasoned operator for The Circus and knew exactly how to manipulate the Yanks into doing his bidding. Once it became apparent to all involved that the arse clowns weren't going to cut the mustard, Stokes had placed me in charge of the extraction.

While no two extractions were ever the same, I was highly skilled in these operations and knew how to meticulously plan for all eventualities. There was a time and a place to go in gun's blazing, and this had not been one of them. This Op had required patience, which is why it had taken as long as it had. Fortunately, patience had paid off. The extraction had gone exactly according to plan, and we were now on our way back to the U.K. with the asset and his family.

Unfortunately, I would not be joining Spanner and Peanut for their return trip to Stirling Lines. Stokes had requested that I personally attend debriefs at the MoD in Whitehall and the SIS Building at Vauxhall Cross, which meant I would be stuck in London for the next few days.

Reaching for my mobile, I texted my mum's housekeeper at the family home in Kensington and let her know that I would be crashing there for a few days. Normally, I stayed with Max and Jack when I was in London, but I knew that my parents , along with Olly and Melissa would be with the girls at Mulberry Estate for the entire month of August, which meant I would have the house to myself.

After being off the grid in the Syrian desert for nearly three weeks, I was looking forward to some uninterrupted kip. My ribs were also looking forward to a respite. I'd managed to bruise my ribs in fighting off an insurgent who'd tried to take out one of the Yanks. While I'd managed to dispatch the scumbag before he'd done any real harm, it had come at the expense of a few bruised ribs. I'd had bruised ribs enough to know what to do, and they certainly weren't going to interfere with my work. However, resting them for the next day wouldn't hurt. At least Molly wouldn't be seeing me in this state. Knowing, her, she should have me bedridden for the next six weeks.

Christ… I hadn't allowed myself to think about molly for the past three weeks. I'd wanted to, especially during the quiet nights in the blackness of the desert, but I had refused to allow myself permission.

Italy had been a mistake. A flight of fancy on my mark that I never should have indulged. It had been a moment of weakness on my part, and I was still questioning my motives, weeks later. Had I wanted a taste of what I would never have? Had I wanted to show her that I wasn't James, her father, or any of the other men who had failed her in the past? Did I want her to trust me, not because I had saved her life previously, but because she deemed me worthy of her trust? I honestly wasn't sure. All I knew was that the holiday had drawn me deeper into the dangerous game that I had been playing for several months now. A game that could destroy me if I wasn't more careful.

Looking down at my mobile, I knew that I could no longer avoid shutting her out. She was likely worried sick about me, and I owed it to Molly to let her know that I was alive and on my way home.

-X-

Early August 2019

Capri, Italy

It was final full day of our holiday and in typical Bones fashion, he had chartered a 30-meter yacht for us to tour Capri and Ischia.

Our morning had been spent in Anacapri where we had hiked up and around the mountainside of Monte Solaro, which provided us with spectacular 360-degree views of the island. We had then taken a chairlift down from the summit of Monte Solaro to Piazza Vittoria. From there we had visited the Villa San Michele which boasted gorgeous gardens dotted with statutes and extraordinary views of the Marina Grande and Gulf of Naples.

After our hike, we had returned to the yacht for a shower and lunch.

"I know splashing out on this type of thing doesn't impress you," Bones remarked over lunch. "However, I thought we could use a respite from the unwashed masses of tourists trolling the islands."

"This is certainly a swish boat, but the amount of money you've spent on our holiday gives me the willies," I confessed.

"Is this where you insist that you're undeserving of all of this?" Bones prompted. "You know I think that excuse is rubbish."

"It's not," I objected.

"It is, Molly," Bones countered. "You're an incredible woman who is honest, brave, hardworking, generous, passionate, intelligent, witty, and gorgeous. You can disagree with me all you want, but it doesn't change the fact that I am right, and that one day you'll realise that you deserve everything your heart desires," he promised before capturing my lips in a burning kiss.

-X-

After lunch, we had returned to Capri, where Bones had taken me to the Carthusia Perfumery for a private tour. Victoria had fallen in love with the perfumery when she had first visited Capri a number of years ago. Carthusia's perfumes were made by hand in the company's laboratory on Capri and used ingredients derived exclusively from the island.

Victoria had arranged the tour as a surprise birthday present for me. During the tour, Bones and I learned about the perfume making process used by Carthusia that dated back to the 1300s. I was also able to partake in a variety of scents before being asked to select my favourite. The fragrance I chose contained refined floral notes derived from the lily of the valley and wild carnations blended together with sandalwood, ylang-ylang, and oak.

It turned out that Victoria had insisted on purchasing a bottle of Eau di Parfum in my favourite scent along with the accompanying body lotion, hand lotion, body soap, and hand soap as part of my birthday gift. I found myself overwhelmed by her generosity and when I attempted to protest, Bones informed me that his mum would be greatly offended if I declined her gift. Bones had also surprised me by using the opportunity to purchase a bottle of perfume for both his mum and Robbie, along with shaving oil and aftershave for himself.

-X-

After our visit to Carthusia, Bones and I visited the Gardens of Augustus, which were founded by the Emperor Augustus. The gardens were comprised of beautifully flowered terraces filled with geraniums, dahlias, and brooms. They also featured breath-taking views of the Isole Faraglioni, a group of three limestone stacks rising out of the sea.

We then made our way back to Capri's main square, Piazza Umberto, which was located beneath a seventeenth century clock tower and surrounded by cafes. I decided that this was the perfect opportunity for us to indulge in gelato and insisted on treating us to a stracciatella flavoured dish of the famous Italian ice cream. Bones hadn't put up too much of a fuss when I informed him that I expected him to indulge in our treat.

-X-

After finishing our gelato, Bones insisted that we visit a few shops before returning to the yacht. Our first stop was located on Via Camerelle which was one of Capri's principal shopping streets. It was filled with designer and regular shops boasting elegant storefronts and beautiful floral displays. I couldn't help but feel self-conscious in my simple outfit consisting of cropped, five-pocket black cargo trousers, a white t-shirt, and my Adidas Samba trainers that I'd owned for ages but had refused to part with because they were extremely comfortable. I looked like a bog-standard British tourist. Bones was dressed casually as well, but still managed to look posh in khaki coloured cotton shorts and a white cotton polo shirt.

Taking my hand, Bones led me to a shoe boutique with the name "Amedeo Canfora" displayed in large blue letters on the white awning above the entrance.

"Bones, I don't need…" I began to protest.

"Relax," he smirked. "We're here on a special operation for Olly."

"Oh," I felt relief at this news. I could tell that the sandals displayed in the window were not only handmade, but also ridiculously expensive.

"These are apparently the most famous custom-made sandals in all of Capri. Apparently, the shop dates back to the 1940s and has been owned by the same family ever since. The sandals were made famous by Princess Margaret, Jackie Kennedy, and Princess Grace of Monaco. My mum had a pair made for Melissa as a gift a few years ago, and she has been in love with them ever since. It's her birthday in a few weeks and Olly arranged to have a new pair made for her. He asked if I could pick them up for him."

"That's sweet," I was impressed by Olly's thoughtfulness in selecting the perfect birthday gift for his wife.

-X-

While Bones spoke to the store's manager regarding his brother's order, I couldn't help but be drawn to the beautiful sandals displayed throughout the shop. The sandals were made using only Italian materials and came in a variety of colours with an array of embellishments.

I soon found myself admiring a pair of sandals with tan leather soles and black, calf-leather straps.

"Do you like them, Signorina?" A pleasant saleswoman approached me to inquire.

"They're lovely," I complimented.

"They are on sale for a very good price. Normally they are 250 Euro, but we are having a special sale today and they are only 99 Euro."

"Oh." I looked at the saleswoman in surprise. While they would still fall outside of my budget, they were beautiful.

"See something you like?" Bones came up beside me.

"Maybe," I replied as I contemplated the sandals further.

"The soles and heels on our sandals last a very long time and will maintain their form and consistency for years," the saleswoman offered. "They are also rain resistant."

"They would make a good investment," I conceded. The price would be worth it if I could obtain multiple years of wear from them.

"Why don't you try on a sample pair?" The saleswoman offered.

"All right," I agreed. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to splurge a bit and treat myself. If I bought myself a pair, it would be at my own expense and not at Bones's.

-X-

"It's nice to see you splashing out on yourself, Poppet," Bones remarked as we exited the boutique and continued down Via Camerelle.

"I suppose it was my lucky day that they were on sale."

"You should wear them to dinner tonight," Bones suggested, before grasping my elbow and steering me towards Gucci.

"Um, Bones?" I looked up at him with concern.

"Yes?"

"There is no bleeding way I am setting foot in there," I cocked my head at the entrance to the famous Italian brand's boutique.

"Why not?"

"Have you seen how I am dressed?" I protested.

"What's wrong with how you're dressed?"

"I dunno. Perhaps it might have something to do with the fact I look like a bit of a scruff."

"There's no need to have kittens, Dawesey. Your money is just as good as anyone else's. As for looking like a scruff, that's downright rubbish and you know it."

"You seem to be forgetting the fact that while I am not skint, I'm certainly not minted like you."

"Stop worrying about money. I actually wanted to get your advice on gifts for Ella and Mia."

"Aren't they a bit young for Gucci?"

"Perhaps, but that doesn't mean their Uncle Bones cannot spoil them. They love to play dress-up with my mum's clothing and handbags."

"You do realise that this is completely impractical for four-year old twins…"

"Humour me?"

"Fine," I sighed.

-X-

Once inside, I was amazed by the extensive array of clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories that Gucci designed for children. It was insane to think that people wasted their money on such excess given how quickly children grew. Bones refused to acknowledge my objections that he was wasting his money, and that we could find Ella and Mia more suitable gifts elsewhere. I finally conceded defeat and agreed to help him pick out dresses for the girls.

I settled on matching dark blue cotton corduroy dresses with short sleeves and pleated skirts. The dresses had Gucci's distinctive green and red grosgrain trim around the neck and waist along with matching bows that went from the neckline to the waistline. The dresses were adorable and I knew his nieces would look darling in them.

I then spotted two delightful mini faux fur double-handed tote bags with a whimsical flying bear motif. The bags were light pink and extremely soft and cuddly.

"I think Ella and Mia would absolutely love these," I commented to Bones. "Any little girl their age would."

"I'll trust your judgement. They're a bit pink for my tastes," Bones chuckled, causing me to give him a playful punch in the arm.

-X-

After looking at gifts for Ella and Mia, Bones decided to look at men's watches. It seemed, he enjoyed collecting watches and wearing them when he was off-duty.

"What do you think, the snake or the tiger?" Bones asked me after he had narrowed down his choices to two watches. Both were Swiss made and were steel cased, with a black dial, and a steel band. The only difference was the design. One included a kingsnake motif on its face while the other contained a tiger.

"Snake," I smirked, thinking back to how he had fearlessly killed a snake for us to eat in Sierra Leone.

"Why does that not surprise me?" Bones returned my smirk.

"Just don't eat this one," I offered in a deadpan voice, prompting him to laugh out loud.

-X-

Thirty minutes later, we were walking down Via Roma in search of Limoncello Di Capri, a famous limoncello brand dating back to the early nineteenth century. Bones had promised Peanut and Spanner that he would bring them back a few bottles of the famous Italian liquor for them if they kept things in order during his absence.

It was starting to become apparent to me that Bones had a very generous nature when it came to his family and friends. Maybe Jackie had been right, maybe his over the top way of splashing out was his way of showing people that he cared.

Bones was so different from Charles. Charles had always been full of flowery words and phrases. He'd never held back in telling me how he felt about me. Bones, on the other hand, tended to be more reserved. He'd once told me to focus on his actions, not his words. Perhaps I needed to pay more attention to his actions and not let my own insecurities get in the way of seeing who he truly was underneath his tough exterior.

-X-

Later that evening, Bones and I were sharing a relaxing dinner under the stars on the aft deck of the yacht. It had been an incredible holiday and I had also relished spending time with Bones and learning more about him.

"How would you feel about assisting me with one final mission related to Operation Bellend?" Bones posed after the stewardess had cleared away our dinner plates.

"It would depend on what it entails."

"It would involve attending a bit of a do with me," he revealed.

"What type of do?"

"A charity ball for the new Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Stanford Hall."

"Is that where you did your rehabilitation for your ACL?" I asked.

"I did the first part of my rehab at Headley Court and then transferred to Stanford Hall once it opened," Bones explained. "It's a phenomenal facility. I was very fortunate to be able to conclude my rehab there."

"Are the curtain twitchers going to be there?"

"Yes."

"Anyone else I should worry about?"

"It wouldn't surprise me if Edward and Jacqueline were in attendance."

"I think I can manage Edward," I assured.

"You would also have contend with my mum," Bones rolled his eyes.

"Your mum?"

"She's actively involved with The Black Stork Charity, which raises funds for the DMRC. The annual charity ball is its most lucrative fundraising event of the year."

"How long has she been involved with the charity?"

"Since its inception in 2011."

"Where will the ball be held?"

"At the Savoy."

"Rather posh, innit?" I smirked.

"It's the perfect venue for inducing hoity toity, upper-class twits to shell out for an important cause."

"If I agree, does that mean I get to see you in mess dress?" I could only imagine how fit Bones would look in his uniform.

"I believe it is required," Bones chuckled. "Giles is going to think he has died and gone to heaven when I inform him that I require mess dress and all of its accoutrements."

"You don't have a uniform already?" I asked in surprise.

"No. We don't exactly do the whole 'mess dress' thing in The Regiment. Our idea of a regimental dinner is sitting around in Officer's Mess drinking whiskey together and playing snooker."

"That certainly sounds preferable to the ones I attended for the Black Rats," I observed, referencing Charles's regiment. "They were as boring as a wet weekend in Wigan."

"I cannot guarantee this will be any more exciting for you, Poppet."

"True, but at least it is for a good cause, and if it helps to cement your promotion, I will gladly be your date for the evening."

"Thank you," Bones reached across the table and kissed my cheek. "Now, I know you are not going to like this, but I have one additional favour to ask."

"You're pushing your luck, Captain McClyde," I cheekily warned him.

"Believe me, I know."

"What's the favour?"

"I would appreciate it if you allowed me to purchase your gown for you," he requested.

"I think I can procure my own bleeding gown," I objected. "Just because I'm not minted doesn't mean that you have to treat me like I'm a bloody doll who needs dressing up."

"I'm sure you would purchase a lovely gown on your own. I also do not think you are a doll."

"Then why do you want to purchase my dress?" I demanded in frustration.

"I want you to feel like the most beautiful woman in the room that night, because that's what you will be to me."

"O-oh…" I was lost for words.

"I know you don't think you're beautiful, and I know that you will spend the entire evening worrying that you don't fit in."

"You're right I won't…"

"Let me finish, Molly," Bones cut me off. "What you're incapable of seeing is that no other woman in the room will be able to hold a candle to you."

"W-what do you mean?" I looked at him with uncertainty.

"I know that what the arsemonger did to you caused your confidence to hit rock bottom and for you to doubt your femininity. If you ask me, the man is a bloody fool for failing recognise that the type of femininity you possess is far more attractive and far sexier than all of the Lanes in this world could ever hope to possess."

"You actually believe that?"

"Of course, I bloody well believe it!" Bones looked back at me in exasperation. "I would like nothing more than for you to believe it.

"How does purchasing my gown fit into this?" I mused.

"I don't want you to limit yourself, Molly. I would like to see you pick a gown that allows you to embrace your inner beauty and to show the world just how gorgeous you truly are. I want you to feel like you have every right to be there, and that you are worthy, because you are," he declared.

"I don't know what to say," I hesitated as I considered Bones's declaration. He wasn't one to mince his words, and he certainly wasn't one to state something like that for the mere sake of it. He legitimately believed what he'd said to me. Instead of wanting to purchase my affections or worry that I might embarrass him, he wanted to give me a gift that was much more valuable than anything he his money could buy. He wanted to give me the ability to reclaim my confidence as a woman.

"All right," I nodded. "You can purchase my gown on one condition."

"And that is?" Bones raised a curious eyebrow at me.

"You let me choose it."

"I can live with that."

"Thank you," I smiled back at him. Bones was right, it was time I reclaimed the femininity that Charles had so carelessly destroyed.

-X-

Moseley, Birmingham

United Kingdom

"I cannot believe this is the first opportunity we've had to catch up since you returned from your holiday," Jackie remarked. We had just finished our respective shifts at the hospital and had decided to stop at The Village restaurant near our flat for dinner.

"I know. I'm glad that we can finally have a proper chinwag," I smiled back at her.

"So, how was it? Was it as amazing as it seemed from the pictures you texted me?"

"It was absolutely blinding!"

"I'm so glad, Molls. I had a feeling it would be an incredible holiday. Bones actually reached out to me shortly after I returned home from Kenya."

"He did?" I looked at Jackie in surprise.

"Yes, he'd been thinking about your birthday and wanted to get my opinion as to whether you would enjoy a holiday with him in Amalfi."

"I had no idea," it seemed that Bones continued to be full of surprises.

"I know that your relationship with Bones got off to an unconventional start, Molls, but I think he genuinely cares for you. He seemed very focused on making sure that you would enjoy what he had planned. It was evident that he wanted to put your comfort and needs ahead of his own. I respected that about him. In fact, I found it a refreshing change," Jackie observed.

"He's amazing, Jacs. The more I learn about him the more I fancy him. Yes, he's a hard nut and knows how to get on my wick, but he's also intelligent, adventurous, funny, considerate, and a real gentleman. Not to mention he is fit as fuck."

"And you haven't even gotten to what he is like in the bedroom," Jackie smirked.

"I have no complaints there," I blushed. "The only thing I'm struggling with is the way he seems to piss his money up the wall."

"You did say his family was seriously minted."

"I know, but it bothers me that he seems to have no problem spending his family's money. I know he works hard, but sometimes I think he's overly extravagant."

"What makes you think it's his family's money that he is spending?" Jackie wondered.

"It's not like he can afford posh hotel suites or swish yachts on a bloody Captain's salary," I argued.

"Perhaps there's more to it than it seems," Jackie suggested. "If it bothers you that much, perhaps you should ask him where his money comes from."

"I dunno," I sighed. "He keeps telling me I need to get used to it, but it's hard."

"Which is why you should discuss it with him," Jackie encouraged.

"You're right, I should," I decided to heed my best mate's advice.

-X-

"There's something I should probably tell you," Jackie remarked after I provided her highlights from my holiday.

"You sound a bit ominous, Jacs." I could sense that she was bothered by what she was about to reveal.

"I didn't want to put a damper on your holiday, which is why I decided to wait until now to tell you."

"What is it?" I could feel my stomach begin to fill with dread.

"Charles came to our flat last Saturday morning."

"What?" I stared back at my best mate in complete and total shock.

"He demanded to see you and was less than thrilled when I told him you were away."

"Bloody hell! I specifically told him not to come to Birmingham," I shook my head in frustration.

"I made certain to remind him of that very fact," Jackie frowned in distaste. "Yet, the bastard refused to listen. He insisted that he needed to speak to you because he wanted to warn you about Bones. I wanted nothing more than to tell him to shove off, but I decided to hear him out."

"Why on earth would you do that?" I couldn't help but feel disappointed that Jackie would even consider giving Charles the time of day.

"I wanted to see if he was still the same contemptible scumbag who broke your heart or if he had actually learned something over the past two years. I was also curious to hear what he had to say about Bones."

"And?"

"He hasn't changed a bloody bit," Jackie muttered. "In fact, I think that Charles has convinced himself that Bones is a nefarious bastard out to hurt you."

"Why on earth would he think that?"

"The only explanation that makes sense to me, is that Charles feels guilty over what he did to you, and that believing Bones is some type of villain is a coping mechanism for him. Knowing Charles, he likely thinks that if he can save you from Bones's perverse machinations, he can absolve himself from any residual guilt he carries."

"That's mental, Jacs."

"Indeed. Charles kept insisting that Bones wants nothing more than to seek vengeance against him."

"Why would Bones want vengeance against Charles?" I was puzzled by this. I knew that Bones strongly disliked Charles, but revenge seemed a tad bit extreme."

"Charles attempted to tell me a bunch of codswallop about something that happened between them several years ago. It sounded like complete and total paranoia on his part. I finally couldn't stand to listen any further, and told him to sod off."

"Wow. I honestly don't know what to say."

"Charles is delusional, Molly. Like I said before, I don't think he can cope with his guilt and is looking for a way to clear his conscience. It seems he wants to make Bones his scapegoat."

"But does he actually feel guilt over what he did to me? Is he even capable of feeling guilty?" I pondered.

"He's not stupid, Molls. He has to know what he lost and why. The fact that you have chosen to move on with Bones would only magnify his sense of loss. I think he knows deep down that he was a complete and total scumbag towards you and that he only has himself to blame."

"You're damn right he only has himself to blame," I muttered. "I'm sorry you had to deal with him, Jacs."

"What are best mates are for?" Jackie shrugged. "I'm just glad that I was the one to put him in his place and that you were able to focus on more important things like Bones," she smiled.

"I appreciate it," I smiled warmly in return, as my mobile phone began to vibrate indicating that I had an incoming text.

"Bones?" Jackie smirked at my phone.

"Yes," I giggled, seeing his name appear on my screen.

"Well, crack on, let's hear what Captain Scrummy has to say for himself," Jackie invited, prompting me to read his message.

Bones: Heading out on an unexpected business trip tonight. Not sure how long I will be gone.

Me: Should I be worried? 'Unexpected' sounds dangerous.

Bones: Don't read anything into it.

Me: Promise me you'll stay safe?

Bones: Always. I'm about to board my flight. I'll be in touch when I can.

"He's been called away on an unexpected business trip, which is our code for an Op," I revealed to Jackie. "I don't like the sound of this."

"I'm sure he'll be fine, Molls," Jackie assured. "He's the best The Regiment has to offer and we both know that he is not one to make school boy errors. Besides, I know for a fact that the last thing Bones wants you to do is to worry."

"You're right," I nodded, worrying was definitely the last thing Bones wanted me to do. It was important that I refrained from worrying, and trusted that Bones would be safe. However, I knew it was easier said than done, especially when I knew deep down that I was falling in love with him…

-X-

One Week Later

Upper Phillimore Gardens

Kensington, London

United Kingdom

I found myself cursing Beck for what felt like the hundreth time as I paced the elegant drawing room located in one of London's most affluent residential neighbourhoods.

Shortly after returning to Brussels, after my failed trip to Birmingham, I had been contacted by Colonel Beck with a special request. It seemed that the Black Stork Charity would be holding its annual charity ball to raise funds on behalf of the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Stanford Hall. The charity wanted to use the event to highlight the stories of those who had been the beneficiaries of the DMRC at Stanford Hall and its predecessor, Headley Court.

Beck felt that I would be an ideal candidate given my past injuries and time spent at Headley Court. Beck also thought it would be the perfect opportunity to reintroduce me to the Army's top brass. It would serve as a way for me to show that I had fully recovered from my previous difficulties and that I had my career back on track.

I would be required to attend the charity ball and to give a speech during the dinner reception highlighting the importance of the DMRC and what its services had meant to me. Given that I was a polished speaker, Beck felt I could only benefit from the opportunity and had ordered me to participate in the event. He then ordered me to London to meet the ball's chief organizer, the Countess of Tewkesbury.

Beck had warned me that Lady Tewkesbury was a force of nature and that having her in my corner was not to be sneezed at. He'd gone on to instruct me to be as charming and accommodating as possible, which meant I would be dealing with a formidable old dragon.

-X-

"Captain James?" I was taken aback to see an elegant woman, who was anything but an old dragon, enter the drawing room. She was dressed in a white, sleeveless knee length dress and pink singback heels. She wore her chestnut hair in a wavy shoulder length bob and had stunning green eyes that immediately reminded me of Molly's. While I knew she had to be older than she looked, she did not look a day over fifty.

"Lady Tewkesbury, it's a pleasure to meet you," I offered politely, before shaking her hand.

"Thank you for agreeing to meet me, Captain James. I've asked my housekeeper to prepare tea for us in my study," she indicated, before leading me into a tasteful room across the hall from the drawing room.

-X-

"Captain James, I must say that you come highly recommended by Colonel Beck. He mentioned that you are an accomplished public speaker and that you were previously injured in Afghanistan and then again in Belize."

"That is correct, Lady Tewkesbury," I confirmed.

"Colonel Beck also indicated that your injuries were extensive."

"Yes. I was shot in the stomach and the leg during an operation in Afghanistan."

"I can only imagine what a terrible ordeal that must have been for you, Captain James," Lady Tewkesbury gave me a sympathetic look.

"If it wasn't for my medic, I would be dead."

"The British Army is fortunate to have such competent combat medics," Lady Tewkesbury observed. "What happened after your medic saved you?"

"I was medevacked to Camp Bastion where I underwent emergency surgery on my leg and abdomen. I was then transported to the RCDM at Queen Elizabeth in Birmingham for additional surgery."

"How long were you at Queen Elizabeth?"

"About a month. From there I spent three months at Headley Court to rehabilitate my leg. I then transitioned to outpatient physical therapy near my home in Bath before returning to active duty."

"That must have been incredibly gruelling for you."

"It was, but I considered myself lucky that I was able to make a full recovery unlike so many others I have worked with over the years. The Army is everything to me."

"Would you feel comfortable speaking about your time at Headley Court?"

"It would be an honour."

"That is wonderful to hear, Captain James," Lady Tewkesbury smiled warmly at me. "May I inquire about the injuries you sustained in Belize?"

"I was there with my Section on a training exercise when I accidently stepped on a boar trap and impaled my leg on it," I grimaced at the painful memory.

"Was it the same leg that you had injured previously?"

"Yes. My medic did the best she could under the circumstances. By the time we were rescued by Special Forces, my wound had become septic. I was medevacked to Belize City for emergency surgery on my leg and then transported back to the RCDM at Queen Elizabeth in Birmingham for additional surgery. I came very close to losing my leg."

"You must have felt incredibly frustrated having injured your leg a second time. Did it require another stay at Headley Court?" Lady Tewkesbury asked.

"I was there for another three months. While it felt like I had taken a major step back, I was eager to return to my Section and was very focused during my time at Headley Court."

"It must have been hard on your family seeing you contend with not one, but two devastating bouts with injury," Lady Tewkesbury offered.

"It was especially hard on my son," I revealed.

"How old is your son?"

"He's twelve."

"Does he like football or ruby?" Lady Tewkesbury questioned with curiosity.

"Football."

"Both my boys were football mad at his age. They still are. Heaven forbid if I interrupt them during an Aston Villa match," she chuckled. "And your wife? How has she coped with your injuries?"

"I'm divorced. Both injuries occurred after our divorce. However, my ex-wife was very supportive and frequently brought my son to Headley for visits."

"That's lovely. I know first-hand that the Army can create unique challenges for families. The Black Stork Charity is currently working with the RCDM to explore ways to provide improved support to families. We are also looking at how we can provide additional support to those on active duty suffering from psychological trauma, such as PTSD."

"I was unaware of that."

"It's my own personal view that the Army needs to do more for those suffering from PTSD. We have been working with the RCDM and the Royal Army Medical Corps to identify additional opportunities for the Army to provide best in class mental health care. We also want to provide support to those family members who are dealing with a loved one who has been diagnosed with PTSD," Lady Tewkesbury revealed.

"That seems sensible," I couldn't help but wonder where she was headed with this.

"I know this might seem presumptuous on my part, but Colonel Beck, seemed to think that you might be interested in supporting this initiative. We are specifically looking for Officers possessing personal experience with PTSD to act as special advisors to us."

"Did he?" I could kill Beck for roping me into this.

"Yes," Lady Tewkesbury confirmed. "While Colonel Beck did not go into specific details, my impression is that perhaps you have had some first hand-experience with PTSD."

"I appreciate what the Black Stork Charity is trying to accomplish with its latest endeavour, Lady Tewkesbury, but I believe you are mistaken in thinking that I could somehow be of assistance."

"That's most unfortunate, Captain James," Lady Tewkesbury frowned. "Colonel Beck had led me to believe otherwise."

"Colonel Beck was mistaken."

"You mentioned earlier that the Army is everything to you. If it truly represents everything, you wouldn't be hiding behind your uniform and your pride. Instead, you would be using the talents you do possess to help your colleagues in need."

"How dare you?" I accused. "You know absolutely nothing about me. Nor do you have any idea what it is like to serve in the Army."

"I know more than you think."

"I find that hard to believe," I scoffed.

"I'm no lady muck, Captain James. I understand what an honour and privilege it is to serve Crown and Country. I am also far from naïve as to sacrifices the men and women of the British Army make on a daily basis to protect Her Majesty and the people of the United Kingdom. My brother lost his life in service to the Crown. My son is also an active member of the Armed Forces. If I overstep, it is because I know first-hand the unique challenges faced by the members of our Armed Forces and their families. After my brother perished in the Balkans, I vowed that I would use my position as the Countess of Tewkesbury to honour his memory by providing my full support to the men and women who are willing to put themselves in harm's way because, like my brother, and my son, they understand that serving Crown and Country is the greatest honour one could ever hope to achieve."

"In all honesty I…."

"Please Captain James, let me finish," Lady Tewkesbury interrupted. "I cannot say what motivates you, or why in particular you have chosen to continue your career in the Army. However, Colonel Beck was most insistent that we provide you with the opportunity to collaborate with the Black Stork Charity on PTSD. While Colonel Beck never indicated whether you had PTSD or not, I'm anything but daft Captain James. PTSD is not something you should be ashamed of, nor should you feel it is something to hide. The fact that you are here today, after your physical and mental injuries, shows that on some level you possess courage, determination, and the ability to persevere. I would ask that you consider the motivating force that has allowed you to overcome these challenges, and contemplate how you could use that same motivating force to bring about positive change for others experiencing the same life altering challenges."

"Perhaps if you knew the full truth, Lady Tewkesbury, you would realise that I am by no means a role model for anyone," I observed.

"None of us are saints, Captain James. The way I see it, Colonel Beck clearly reached out to me because he believes there is still enough good in you to bring about positive change. Rather than ruminate over your past, perhaps you use your past failings to help others avoid making the same mistakes," Lady Tewkesbury advised. "Now before you dismiss me again, I suggest you give yourself some time to consider my offer before declining it. In the interim, I will inform Colonel Beck you have agreed to speak at our upcoming charity ball about your physical injuries."

-X-

"I know you might find this difficult to believe, but in some respects, you are incredibly fortunate," Lady Tewkesbury remarked once we had finished our tea and it was time for me to leave.

"Fortunate?" I raised a sceptical eyebrow at her.

"You're alive, in good health, and have overcome tremendous difficulties. From what you've told me, you have a supportive family, and you've been able to rebuild your relationship with your son. "

"I suppose that is one way of looking at things," I mused as my attention was suddenly drawn to a framed photograph sitting atop antique escritoire. Without even realising it, I found myself reaching for the frame and studying it intently.

"I cannot be," I muttered under my breath in disbelief. Staring back at me was the mirror image of Bones. Yet, it wasn't Bones. This man was older than Bones and was a Warrant Officer dressed in his Number 2 service dress uniform wearing the distinctive sand coloured beret of the SAS.

"That is my brother," Lady Tewkesbury elaborated, as she came to stand beside me and study the picture. "It was taken shortly before his death."

"He was SAS?"

"Through and through," she smiled, as it only now occurred to be that Lady Tewkesbury and her brother shared the same green eyes as my nemesis…

-X-

Royal Crescent

Bath, United Kingdom

After visiting Lady Tewkesbury, I had travelled to the MoD where I had gotten an ear bashing from Beck for making a pig's ear out of my meeting with Lady Tewkesbury. While Beck was pleased, I would be allowed to speak at the charity ball, he was furious that I had not accepted Lady Tewkesbury's offer to assist with the Charity's PTSD initiative. Beck felt that if I had any chance of being promoted in the future, I needed to turn my own experience with PTSD into an opportunity to promote positive change within the Army. I had been resentful towards Beck, which ultimately led me to be being grossly insubordinate. I was lucky Beck hadn't written me up on a charge.

From there, I decided to head to Bath, as I felt unsettled after the day I'd had and wanted peace and quiet in familiar surroundings. My parents were with Emily in Lake Garda, which meant I would have Royal Crescent to myself.

The first thing I did upon entering my family home was venture into my father's study, where I knew he kept a hardcover edition of Debrett's Peerage and Baronetage. Luckily it was not difficult to locate the red tome on his bookshelf.

After removing the book from its shelf, I stalked over to my father's antique desk and seated myself in his leather wingback chair. I then opened the volume and began searching the index for the Earl of Tewkesbury.

-X-

"Arthur Henry John Blackwood Reed, 15th Earl of Tewkesbury," I began reading aloud. "Married Victoria Anne McClyde on 12 July 1980. That must mean that Bones is Lady Tewkesbury's nephew," I surmised. It would explain why Bones looked nearly identical to Lady Tewkesbury's brother.

Suddenly I found myself thinking back to the conversation I'd had with my father the morning after Andrew's passing out, where I had questioned him about his history with Bones. I distinctly recalled my father mentioning that Bones's uncle had been a highly decorated SAS trooper who'd been killed in the Balkans. Lady Tewkesbury had revealed, only hours earlier, that her brother had perished in the Balkans and had confirmed that he had been in The Regiment. Both my dad and Lady Tewkesbury had obviously been referring to the same person. That meant Bones couldn't be Lady Tewkesbury's nephew. Was it possible that he was her son?

Lady Tewkesbury had implied she had sons when mentioning football and had mentioned that a son in the Armed Forces. It would also explain why Bones shared the same eyes and hair colour as his mother, and looked nearly identical to her brother. It also tied into my father's explanation about Bones's uncle being killed in the Balkans during an SAS operation.

I immediately looked back down at Debrett's Peerage and Baronetage to see, if in fact, the Earl and Countess of Tewkesbury had a thirty-seven-year-old son.

A look of complete astonishment crossed my face when I realised that not only did the Earl and Countess of Tewkesbury have a thirty-seven-year-old son, but that he was also their eldest son, which meant that he was The Honourable Viscount Hardwicke.

It seemed that Bones McClyde was nothing more than a legend… The question was, did Molly know?