Chapter Ten- Untangling the Weeds

A week later, Rafe and Danny were in an office of the top man of the navy. They waited in the secretary's small office. Pictures of a bunch of navy men hung all over. The walls were a warm red.

"It feels like old times, being in the principal's office." Danny said.

"I thought you wanted to forget the past." Rafe said offering a smile.

"Too many fun memories to just forget."

"You boys can see General Davis now." the secretary said from behind her desk.

"Yes Ms. Dragon." Danny whispered standing up.

As they walked, Rafe couldn't help but laugh. Danny said the name of the secretary of their old elementary. The lady's name was Ms. Dagon. Everyone feared her. Everybody, besides two best friends. Danny and Rafe.

"It's good to have you back to your good ole' self Danny." Rafe said.

They walked into the office. It was warm and muggy. Five men all in uniform sat in a panel. Three of them were smoking cigars. Rafe and Danny stood still as they saluted.

"Sit down boys." the main general instructed. His name was General Harold Davis

"Thank you sir," Rafe and Danny said in unison.

"Now, I see you attacked a General, McCawley. Is this true?" one of the Captains asked.

"Yes sir,"

"Only in the interest of protecting me, sir." Danny interjected.

"You only speak when spoken to. Is that clear Walker?" General Davis snapped.

"Yes sir," Danny said softly.

"We are going to have General Lee Walker, come in and give his side of the story." a commander by the name of Dwayne Carlos said.

Danny felt his height shrink to about three feet. Last time he saw his uncle, he had is arms around his neck. He didn't want to see him again. But, this was the only way Rafe could be released from charges. So he swallowed his fear.

A guard walked in with General Walker. As they passed Danny and Rafe, he gave Danny an angry look. Danny looked down. The commanders interrogated him after they gave him a seat.

Chapter Eleven- Fear the Absence of Courage

"I never lied a hand on Daniel." Lee said staring at Danny.

Commander Carlos turned around and looked at Rafe.

"So, you attacked a general, for no reason. You really want to leave the Navy, don't you?" Carlos said taking the cigar out of his mouth, as a puff a smoke came out.

"No sir. I was trying to protect Danny." Rafe said.

"Is that true Lieunetent Walker?" General Davis asked.

Danny looked around nervously. He felt the salt of his sweat fell down his face. Everyone was looking at him. He felt his uncle's mean, angry gaze.

"Lieunetent Walker," Davis asked in a impatient tone.

Danny sat still shaking. His heart was racing with fear. He went to speak but nothing came out.

"For heaven's sake, say something!" Davis yelled.

"Hey Jack, let's all have a five minute break. Giving the kid a chance to gain composure." Carlos said putting his hand on Davis.

"Alright. But if you don't talk when we get back, you can count yourself kicked off the navy as well as your friend. Understood?"

Danny nodded. He raced down to the bathroom. Once he got there, he locked himself in the stall. He fell on his knees. He saw his reflection in the clear toilet bowl water.

"Why are you such a coward, Lieunetent." Danny whispered.

Pretty soon, he worked him self up enough that he threw up about twice. He leaned over and flushed the mess. He stood up and cleaned up. He walked outside to get some fresh air.

Rafe sat on the steps. Danny sat down on the top step.

"Sorry, I'm not really helping you look any better." he said.

"Don't worry about it. Just calm down and it will be ok." Rafe said with a wide smile.

"That's the thing, I don't think I can calm down. I'm scared Rafe. Once the police asked if it was true my dad stole some booze, from a bar one time. I said yes. Once they left, my father hit me so hard I was knocked unconscious. If I tell on Lee, who knows what he'll do to me."

"Danny, Danny, Danny." Rafe said shaking his head. "Don't work yourself up. You tell them what happened, how he strangled you and everything. And then they'll take him to jail, you and will never hear from him again."

"If only it was that easy." Danny said looking down at his hands.

"It is. Don't worry you'll be fine."

Danny nodded as he rolled up his pant leg. He looked on at the lower past of his calf. He looked at the place where he was shot. A long scar run up the back of his leg.

"You saved my life," Danny said pointing to the scar. "So, I should return the favor."

Rafe smiled and smacked the back of his friend's back. "Thank you, my good man."