Chapter 16:
Robert Bridger paced the room trying to think of what he needed to tell his father. He hadn't expected just speaking to the man to be difficult but, it was.
"Bobby, sit down so—"
"No, I need to stand and you need to be quiet. I'm sorry dad but if I don't say this all in one shot I probably never will."
"Okay but, you know whatever it is you can tell me. It can't be that bad, son. I've missed you terribly since your accident. I'm just so happy you're alive and well."
Robert Bridger looked down from his father's tear filled eyes. For the first time that he could ever remember his father was looking at him like he was proud. He sighed knowing it was now or never.
"Dad, there wasn't any accident. I mean there was but, I wasn't hurt."
"Bobby? What are you saying? You didn't? Did you?"
The younger Bridger let out a breath, "I went AWOL dad. I abandoned my post and ran away when we came under attack. I left Ben and everybody else on that sub there to die."
Nathan sighed, he could hardly believe what he was hearing. What could of made his son do such a horrific thing. "Robert, do you know what you put your mother through? What you put me through? We had a funeral for you for God's sake! Where have you been? Where did you go? Why didn't you just come home?"
"I tried to come home when I heard mom was sick but, I was too late. That's actually how I got caught. I went to the funeral and sat in the back. My old captain recognized me and some hirer up pulled some strings and got me placed in section 7 instead of in jail."
"I suppose I should be thankful for small miracles then. You just about killed your mother. She was never the same once you were gone. Robert I blamed myself for your death. I shut out the world because I felt like I had killed you myself." Nathan looked down trying to calm himself.
I know dad, I don't know what else to say except for him sorry. I never felt like I belonged in the Navy. I tried to tell you but, you never listened. Hell if it wasn't for Ben and Lucas I would probably still hate the Navy. They made it tolerable. There is something you need to know dad, I don't regret any of it. I can't. If I had taken a different path in life I never would of met Cathy."
"Cathy?"
"She's my wife dad, and the mother of your grandson. Look, I'm not here to ask for your forgiveness. I'm not even here to argue with you about where the hell you've been for the past 10 years. I know I don't have the right to either. I'm here to ask if we can just start over. I can't change the past and neither can you. I've straightened up and I've been a good officer for the last 9 years. I've earned my position and I'm proud of it."
Nathan stood and glared at Robert momentarily as the younger man held out a hand for him to shake. Nathan slowly shook his head as he took Robert's hand and pulled him in to a hug, "It's good to have you back son."
….
Kristin Westphalen entered her home. She sighed at the darkness realizing she had forgotten to leave a light on when she left this morning. She stubbed her toe on her entry table before finding the switch and making her way to her kitchen to make a cup of tea. Today had been a very long day. She quietly let her emotions catch up with her as she sat alone at her kitchen table. Looking over at a small picture in a frame she sighed at the happy couple smiling so long ago. Yesterday, she would have given anything to have that back again and, now today, for the first time it seemed like a possibility and yet she was still so angry. She sighed as she set down her cup and headed for bed, tomorrow was going to be another long day.
...
General Magath watched a small screen showing a touching reunion showing a long overdue reunion between father and son.
I've got to get rid of this whole mess and soon but, how can i get rid of Bridger and the rest of them now. His family knows he's alive now.
A smile broached the darker skinned man's lips and he came to a realization.
I'll just have to get rid of everyone that knows. It should be simple enough to get them all in one place.
Magath hit a button on his communications device, "Oron, tomorrow I want to meet with the commanding officers of the Seafreedom. Make sure that happens, first thing in the morning."
"Uh yes sir," came the nervous ensign's voice," but, um sir? Lt. Cmdr. Wolenzcak is still on medical leave."
"Revoke it, I want him here in the morning with the rest of them."
Aye sir.
