All Roads Lead Home

Chapter 9

Mike had been shocked at how supportive Christine had been. He had had a very firm discussion with the investigating detectives and let them know that in no way was Christine a suspect. Breanna and her co-conspirators were arrested, and quickly confessed that this was a con for them. Mike was the fourth man that they had attacked and one had died. Mike had been very lucky.

After another surgery to repair his shoulder and collarbone and to close his chest and stomach up, he was ready to be released. He and Christine had spent many hours together at the hospital and he was going home with her. Their marriage wasn't totally fixed, but it was far better then it had been. He had convinced her to give her two weeks notice at her job. She loved it but hated the hours away from her family. With Mike's income, she would be more financially secure. The day before Mike was due to be released, Christine was at her last day of work, and Mike wasn't surprised to see Tom come in to visit.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" Mike asked.

"Visiting you. Christine asked if I would check in since she's at work and the girls are at school. You ready to go home tomorrow?" Tom asked.

"Beyond. I hate hospitals." Mike told him.

"Stop getting hurt." Tom teased.

"Hopefully this is the last injury for a LONG time." Mike said.

"So, you ready to go home, as in home with Christine? You realize you could stay with Sasha and I if it would be easier?" Tom offered.

"Thank you but no. I need to do this." Mike answered.

"You ready to work things out?" Tom asked.

"I don't know. I still don't understand how she could have kept the girls away from me, but I suppose I'm trying to see it from her perspective." Mike commented.

"Mike; you know how screwed up Sam and Ashley are. They both have chips on their shoulders. A lot of that is my fault, but its also because of the attention they've gotten. Had Christine not done what she did, Katie and Hannah might be the same way. Sam and especially Ashley and I don't get along. I love them and I am trying to do right by them, but for a lot of years, it was all about the mission. I would like to think you might have been different, but would you have been? The Navy required a lot out of you the past several years. Maybe Christine actually did you a favor?" Tom suggested.

"How so? I missed years with my daughters." Mike asked.

"You did and I get that that hurts. But you came home and you are their hero. Those girls are so, so proud of everything you did. Ashley? She only sees that I choose to be gone. Besides, considering everything; how much would you have been home? They probably would have resented you." Tom pointed out.

"That's true." Mike admitted.

"Mike; trust me. I know it hurts, but she really did you a favor. She kept them safe. You arrived on the scene and they were happy and healthy. Give Christine a chance. She has always been a good wife to you." Tom said.

"I'm not sure she is going to forgive me for Breanna. I got involved with her just to get back at Christine." Mike said.

"She has been here every day. You guys need to have a good talk but I don't think you have much to worry about. Once you get back on your feet, take her out for dinner. Your kids are older and you have the ability to properly date." Tom said.

"I suppose so." Mike agreed.

"I know so. And if you need help occupying the girls, just let me know." Tom offered.

"Thank you. I do appreciate everything you've done." Mike said. Tom had been there when Christine couldn't be and had helped getting Hannah to and from school when Katie was in class.

"You'd do the same. Just relax and recover, not just physically. Your marriage, too." Tom said before getting up from his chair and leaving Mike to think about everything that was said.