Day 25

I found out from Lieutenant Hughes that the released men are all on their way home, after undergoing medical examination and debriefing. He has assured me that there is no reason to worry as far as Perry is concerned. I sure hope he is right. General Lancaster has informed us that the surviving agents, involved in the incident at the camp, have been placed under maximum security, pending further investigation. Roberts has left for D.C. on the previous day, with the promise to keep us updated on the situation, concerning the clean-up of the area. He is certain the quarantine will be necessary, and all of us who know the 'real truth' silently hope he is right.

Now I have Buck back, LT has his bottle of Wild Turkey—or better say had, because it is already empty—and Cut, Jimmy and I enjoy an absolutely wonderful time at Frank Hughes' house in Paradise, getting a real home-cooked meal for the first time in weeks. Kelly's older sister, Lorie, is one hell of a good cook, and the whole house is spotless. Kelly himself is 'tickled-to-death', having all of us there, talking about hunting, the military, guns, Native American rituals—with Jimmy in sign-language—and everything else that comes to his mind. He hasn't shut up for one minute, I think in the last four hours or so, but I somehow enjoy it. I believe he would make a damn good Soldier some day, that is if he outgrows his little 'attitude problem'.

"Well, Chase," LT puts his arm around my shoulder, "guess you guys really did it this time."

"Did what?" I query, not quite getting his point.

"Throwing the whole Government into a total uproar," he smirks.

"Hell, LT, I just hope it's gonna do any good."

"I think it will, Chase," he turns serious. "I think it was high time that somebody had the guts to stand up to these guys."

"Yeah," I muse, "considerin' it took a couple of no-good, party-animal, red-neck country-boys, and a guy that looks like he just come of the war-path somewhere, to get this shit done."

"Where'd you get all that?" he snickers.

"From you," I give back. "That's your own words, describing Cut, Chief and me."

"So I was wrong. What you want me to say?" he shrugs, grinning from ear to ear.

"Nah, it's alright, LT. We like to keep 'em guessing. Just do me a favor..."

"What's that?"

"Don't let the truth get out. It'll ruin our reputation."

"You got my word on that, Chase," he says, dead serious, but then we look at each other and start laughing.

I always hate saying good-bye, so we keep it short—which doesn't mean that it is any easier. Frank makes us promise to visit again sometime, and this is definitely one promise we intend to keep. Kelly doesn't say much—for once—he just shakes our hands. Lorie looks like she is ready to start crying, but her and Jimmy got an animated conversation going in sign-language—I have not the slightest idea what they are talking about. The three younger brothers are too busy with the last of our MREs we gave them—didn't think anyone could actually enjoy them so-called cookies.

LT takes us back to Seattle late in the evening, and we say our farewell to him at the departure hall, exchanging addresses, and promising to stay in touch this time—it is always good to have connections. Cut is taking the flight to Oklahoma with Jimmy. For one, because he is still worried about him—though he would never openly admit it—and for two, because it gives him a chance to visit with his family down there before returning to Montana. I get Buck checked in, knowing full well he hates these rides in the cargo-hold, but there is nothing I can do—they just don't let hundred-sixty pound Shepherds into economy class.

We have about two hours to kill before departure, and one would think we should use them to talk about the events of the last three weeks. Well, other people probably would, but we are just not like other people. Knowing full well what each one of us is thinking, we avoid even the slightest mention of it. Hunting, fishing, our wives, the 'good ol' times', or even the weather are much better things to talk about.

I am playing with the thought of making another attempt to get Chief to take the necklace back, then decide against it. Maybe I will never completely understand the way he thinks, but the last three weeks taught me one hell of a lesson. My biggest mistake was to underestimate other people. You live and learn. The hard way, if necessary!

Our good-bye is even shorter than the one at Frank's house. Just some heartfelt handshakes, "Take care and I'll see ya later!" Then I watch Cut and Jimmy walk up the gangway, not feeling too good all of the sudden. My flight leaves twenty minutes later, and I think it is the longest one I ever took, despite the fact that the one between the States and Germany, where I was stationed for a couple of years, took five times as long. Only when we dock Gate 17 at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, and I peek out the window, getting a glimpse of Micky and our two kids, I finally start to grin. Maybe now it is really over with!