Twenty-Eight
In a daze, Sue hobbled over to the front window of the little farmhouse. Bobby followed bringing her a chair. She eased herself on to it and looked out at the arriving vehicles. He grabbed himself a footstool to perch on and they watched together. They could see Hector waiting in the drive for the first of the trucks to come to a stop. They watched as his teammates swarmed out and around him. The two women of the group were the first there to hug him tightly. Sue could see him relax when he saw the one woman. They both began to scold him and he held up his hands in surrender. The guys moved in and shook hands. All was fine until one slapped him on the back and reminded them of where he had been. As Hector collapsed, both Bobby and Sue stood in shock.
Immediately the sailor was surrounded medical personnel and spirited away on a stretcher. The medium brunette woman turned to the comfort of a tall man with a military beret. The auburn haired woman stood hugging herself, looking for someone.
They saw James approach the group and it parted to let him in. It was a respectful reunion, unlike Hector's. The silent man walked over to the lone woman and touched her shoulder. She looked at him.
Sue relayed the conversation for a moment. "She asked why he didn't tell them. He says there wasn't time. She says she would've come, that Wreck is her friend too. He says something about someone named Tommy being involved." At this point Sue blushed and turned to Bobby. "It was getting personal."
The Aussie laughed and it turned into a yawn. "Aye, sheila, stay put. I'll be right back." He disappeared down the hall and returned carrying the mattress from the bed. Plunking it on the floor in front of the couch, he made a second trip. This time he had an armload of pillows and blankets. He set up the couch and then the bed. Scooping up his friend, he deposited her on the sofa and tucked her in. He was about to close the curtains when she stopped him.
"I need the light right now, if that's okay, Bobby."
"Sure thing, Sue. No worries. I'm too tired to mind." He kicked off his shoes and lay back on the mattress. Levi whined to be up with Sue but there wasn't room for the Lab. Bobby patted the open spot next to him and the dog settled down. He was just about to doze off when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Cracking open an eye, he took her smaller hand in his large one understanding her need for contact. He faded into a dreamless sleep.
It was late afternoon when he awoke to Levi barking. Getting up, he went to the window and saw an MP walking a dog near the house. Bobby looked at the golden Retriever at his feet. "You need to go out, boy?" Levi headed toward the door.
The tall agent reached for the door even as it opened. He was surprised to see James standing there. He had several bags of food. Bobby heard his stomach growl and grinned. "Perfect timing, mate. Can Levi go out?"
James' response was a sharp whistle. The MP Bobby had seen came jogging up with his Rottweiler.
"Eh, I don't know if he'll go with you, mate?" The tall Aussie frowned.
Kneeling, the MP held out his hand and chirruped softly. Levi raised his ears and cocked his head to the side. Seeing the low, open hand, the Retriever took a tentative step forward only to stop and look back at Bobby who shrugged. The large Rott sat down and huffed at Levi.
"Come on, boy, I have some nice dog food of Junk's that you can share. We'll take good care of you for a few minutes." The MP had a faint Jersey accent.
Levi took his time and decided if the humans he knew were okay with it, then he could handle it. He trotted over to the outstretched hand and the MP gave him a scratch and a "Good boy." The MP stood and addressed Bobby directly. "Is there anything I need to know about him?"
"He's a service dog. Go easy on the donuts."
"Gotcha." With a mild salute, he and the two dogs went for a little walk.
With a last look to make sure Levi was okay, Bobby went toward the dining room, followed by James. One set out the food while the other cleaned up the mess from earlier. Sue slept through it soundly until Bobby woke her up.
"Hey, sheila, ya up to eating a bit?" He smiled at her.
Blinking against the bright afternoon light, she nodded. She made her way to the table and saw James standing there.
"How's Wreck doing?" This came from Bobby.
"We saw him collapse. What's wrong?"
'Physical exhaustion. Mental fatigue. Adrenaline burnout.' He motioned for them to sit and eat.
About halfway through the meal there came a knock at the door. James went to answer it. He returned with Levi who went to sit beside Sue. A man with a strong military bearing accompanied him.
"Miss Thomas, Special Agent Manning, I'm Sgt. Hauser. On behalf of the rest of my team, I would like to thank you for your help. You went above and beyond the call of duty and we are in your debt. There will be a sealed commendation placed in your service records.
With that said, everything that has transpired is classified. Due to the threat to national security and eminently to yourselves, I must ask you never to speak of this matter. We have taken precautions to limit your exposure to all involved and vice-versa.
The truth is your cover. You were needed on a close surveillance and witness interrogation. That is as much as you can say and it is the truth.
Miss Thomas, I commend you on your observation skills. Sn—James," he slid a glance and a smirk toward the silent man, "was highly impressed and he's a hard man to impress. Not much gets past him.
Agent Manning, I thank you for taking the time to talk to Wreck. He's got a way to go before he'll be settled but your being there when he needed it awhile back…I am grateful. I would've hated to lose a good man.
Once more, let me impress upon you the need to never speak of this. It is for your protection. You know the caliber of those who would harm our citizens and our country. They will stop at nothing if they think it will gain them an inch.
God-willing, we will meet under better circumstances in the future." He shook Bobby's hand. He turned to Sue and signed 'Thank you very much. I am in your debt.'
"Your welcome," she smiled and held out her hand. He shook hers as well.
"The squad is finished here and we'll be pulling out. If you need anything else, ask James." So saying he took his leave.
They finished eating and James produced a bag with a couple of BDUs. (Equivalent to Basic Duty Uniform—nondescript neutral Tee and fatigues) While the guys straightened the rest of the house, Sue excused herself to clean up. She returned a short while later dressed in olive drab.
"Hey, sheila, that's a good color on you," Bobby joked.
Sue smiled back. 'Thanks.' She looked in her coat pocket and retrieved her comb. After tending to her damp hair she pulled it into a loose ponytail.
Bobby grabbed his change of clothes saying, "I'll take my turn now. Did you leave me any hot water?"
Laughing, Sue walked back to the couch. Evening was settling in and she turned on a lamp. James came and sat on the other end of the sofa. He took off his shades and looked at her directly.
'Now, we talk.'