The ride back to the base was quiet. Hector sat staring out the window apparently engrossed in the passing scenery, but the silent man knew better. It would only be a matter of time before the sailor started asking questions.
Pulling into the motor pool, the two exited the car and walked toward the barracks. At the door to the sailor's quarters, they stopped.
"Thank you." There was so much more to be said but it all fell into the two words.
The silent man nodded. He reached out and tapped the other man's temple and then his heart. 'Go inside. Make them equal. Make peace with her.' He watched the blue eyes widen. Knowing this was another step Hector had to take alone, he backed away until he saw the door close behind the sailor.
Once inside, a rush emotion overcame the dark headed man. He leaned against the door drawing in deep breaths… He could do this. Steeling himself, Hector approached his wall of photos.
The group shot of the team was first. He had already made peace with Red and Six was deployed right now. He would take the others one at time.
He paused, looking at the new frames Shana had bought for him. He would get a snapshot of him and Bobby soon. And Sue… He furrowed his brow. The picture he had in his mind and the real thing didn't quite mesh but they were slowly getting there. Unconsciously, he touched his temple.
Next came the shots of Althea. He smiled at the progression of the girl to a woman. The ocean blue eyes stared back at him, reminding him that he did have family, in more than one way.
Finally, he built up the courage to look at Mara's picture. Closing his eyes, he could still see her, laughing and dancing, telling corny jokes and brushing the hair off his forehead to smooth his worry lines. He lifted the frame from the wall and went to sit on the bed.
"I miss you. I hope you know that. I like to think that we would have made a great team but it didn't happen." Salty drops fell on the glass and he traced the tracks they made with his fingers. "But, you aren't alone anymore. I guess you never were but I felt alone, not knowing. You know me, Mr. Wise-cracker, I didn't really tell anyone so I was alone."
In his mind's eye, her eyes seemed to soften. "They tried to take you away from me but Somebody gave you back, if only for a short while. I know you are safe. I will always love you." Quiet tears fell like a cleansing rain. All the guilt had been spent and only healing was left. He pulled the picture to his chest and lay back to dream one last dream of laughter.