A/N: Thanks for the reviews and to LauraRaposa for editing. Please let me know what you think

Chapter 8

Foyle stood for a minute with his hands in his pockets and stared after the Commander before he turned on his heel and headed for Hugh Reid's office. He knocked and waited for the customary "Yes" before pushing the door open.

Reid looked up as he entered, half rose from his seat and asked, "do you need me?"

Foyle shook his head. "No, the Wing Commander is gone. I figured you would want to know the outcome."

Reid nodded and waved him into the chair in front of the desk. Foyle sat heavily and ran a hand over his face, the lack of sleep from the past few days seemed to be catching up with him.

"Well?"

Foyle smiled slightly, patience had never been one of Hugh's strong points.

"He is going to come by later and meet with Andrew," said Foyle.

"And do what exactly? Charge him with desertion?" Reid's voice was full of guarded concern.

"No, he thinks Andrew has a type of battle fatigue and that's why he deserted. If he still believes that after he's met with him he's going to try and get Andrew transferred to a training post or at least get him a few weeks leave."

"Christopher, that's wonderful news," said Reid, but his smile faltered when he saw a frown on his friend's face. "Well, isn't it?"

Foyle looked up. "Oh, yes, in my opinion anyway, much better outcome than I hoped."

"But?"

Foyle rubbed a hand across his forehead. "But I don't think Andrew will see it that way, Hugh. He's going to be bound and determined to return to his squadron, and I suspect quite angry with me for suggesting that he shouldn't." He sighed again and ran a hand through his hair.

Reid frowned as he gave his friend the once-over. The weariness from the other evening had deepened and Foyle looked much older then he had two days ago.

"Christopher, have you slept since Andrew came home?"

Foyle nodded distractedly. "Yes, a bit. Anyway, I should get back home. I need to make sure Andrew is up and ready to speak to the Commander when he arrives." He stood and started to move toward the door.

Reid stood and followed him. "Can I get you anything? I could stop by later, if that would help?"

Foyle shook his head and forced a smile. "No, thank you, Hugh. I appreciate it, but that won't be necessary. Anyway, if Andrew takes the news as I think he will, you'll probably want to give him a wide berth until he's cooled off."

"He wasn't actually who I was planned to see." Reid didn't try and hide the concern in his voice.

Foyle smiled faintly, "I'm fine, Hugh. It will hardly be the first time I've made Andrew cross with me."

"You'll call and let me know what happens?"

Foyle nodded. "Yes, of course, now I really must go. Sorry that I won't be in again today."

"Not at all, Christopher, this is much more important. Should I have Thompson bring the car around?"

"If you don't mind."

Thanks yet again to the constable's driving, Foyle was back in his front hall less then 15 minutes later. He hung up his coat and hat and checked the time on his watch - 12:35 p.m. He had just under an hour and a half to get Andrew up and ready to meet his commanding officer.