Ch.5 "Home Again, Naturally"

Washington D.C. present day:

John had spent the better part of the day being debriefed by Beckman on Solution Systems. She was pleased with the direction in which things were going and even more pleased with the successful cover the company provided for covert operations. It was decided that John (and Sarah, who was tele-conferencing rather than being physically present) would no longer be field agents, and would be permanently assigned in Los Angeles to work with Chuck at Solution Systems.

This would be their only focus, protecting and investigating intersect related leads, whether or not the intersect remained in Chuck's brain. Chuck was now a useful asset and treated as such. Both John and Sarah now would oversee several teams of agents who would provide round the clock surveillance and support for all things intersect related. It was also decided that both Sarah and John would continue to draw their respective Department of Defense salaries and benefits in addition to keeping profits from the business they ran and helped to create. Most of the profits would go to Chuck and Morgan as the CEO and CFO but Sarah and Casey would draw salaries as well, as respective founding partners and more importantly were allowed to keep those salaries. This being a huge surprise to them both.

"Well Lieutenant Colonel, I'm very pleased with the current status at Solution Systems. It sounds like you and Agent Walker have worked hard to get everything in line and secure. The intersect is settled in nicely and the cover business is bringing in a successful income for everyone. I feel you've definitely earned this promotion John."

"Thank you General, I'm honored." John took a bite of his steak and listened carefully to his boss.

"Well it's time for you to reap what you've sewn John. I admit, I wasn't too thrilled when you informed me you were getting married, but it's not the first time agents of mine have married and had families," her eyes twinkling at that last bit. "But, that seems to have worked out well for the both of you now hasn't it, and she is a lovely girl John, absolutely lovely." He smiled and nodded at her as she continued.

"Actually the entire thing has worked out well for the intersect as well as for yours and Agent Walkers covers. However, I get the feeling there is something else you'd like to speak with me about John. Is this correct?"

"Yes Ma'am. There are several things actually." He took a sip of water, put his fork down and began.

"Ellie and I would like to buy a home. Our plan is to sell my townhouse here in DC and find a bigger place near the business."

"I see. That sounds like a wonderful idea John. You know you don't need my permission to buy a house, you realize that don't you?" she looked at him with a slightly puzzled smile on her face. She'd worked with him since he was a young man and she'd seen him grow into the force he'd become but she still, on occasion, felt almost like a parent to him, whether chastising him, advising him, teaching him or congratulating him or even like today, dining in celebration with him.

"Of course, but there are mitigating factors you need to be aware of Ma'am." He took a deep breath.

"Go on John."

"We've been offered the chance to appear on the television program, House Hunters on HGTV." There, he'd gotten it out without too much embarrassment. If he didn't love his wife so much, he would never even mention this to Beckman but decided to follow through on what he promised his wife he would do. He knew there was no way she'd approve it so at least he'd put it out there. He watched her face as he took another bite of his steak.

"Oh, I love that show. What an interesting experience that would be for you both. Hmm, let me think this one over John and let you know tomorrow."

'Wow,' he hadn't expected to see his superior officer gush, but that's what she was doing, she was gushing about that silly show, just like Ellie.

"Oh, no Ma'am, it's really not necessary, I realize it would be a breach and not even a remote possibility, I just wanted to tell you about it and get guidelines on the purchase of the new home."

"Oh nonsense, I'll think it through and let you know. Now, about the house, we have standard protocol and guidelines for our Agents when they become homeowners. I'll give them to you before you leave, but basically, whether the home is new or a resale, once you move in, no construction or alterations can be made to the home without our approval for obvious security reasons. Of course you can paint and decorate and that type of thing but no structural changes or additions can be made as we don't want outside contractors or workers in your home. If you choose to build a deck or something simple, you can do that yourself, but any work requiring a contractor must be completed before you move in. We send in a finishing team to alarm the home, build a safe room, do the wiring, install surveillance cameras and secure the home to our specifications and then you're all set to move in."

"I see. I guess this isn't as uncommon as I thought."

"What, our people getting married and having lives? Oh, it used to be the "Greater Good" and all of that jazz. In fact it was unheard of in the early days. Now, it's fairly normal. I admit though, you personally are in a much better position with this new assignment than you were a few years ago in Afghanistan. This point in your life should work out nicely for you and Ellie."

"Yes, I hope so." He smiled warmly at her and it took her breath away at just how handsome he was when he smiled and, wasn't it good to see him happy. She'd seen him go through so much, so to see him happy and content warmed her.

"I really appreciate you taking the time to speak with me General. I know how busy you are."

"It's not a problem John. I always like to be of help to my people. You've served well under my command with honor, loyalty and dignity and I'm very happy for you and for Ellie."

They chatted together for a few more minutes before he drove her home and headed back to his townhouse. He looked around and as much as he liked his first home, it was time to sell it and move on to greener, "Ellier" pastures.

The next day was quick and easy, he'd wrapped up his last meeting in the early afternoon and had hoped to see Beckman one more time before he headed out. Unfortunately, she had been called away to meet with the joint chiefs of staff and would be busy the remainder of the day. John called for a car to take him to the base air terminal and waited in his foyer. He would use the base real estate service to sell his townhouse "as is", furnishings and all. He didn't want or need any of the furnishings and had spent the morning packing his personal items and extra uniforms and sentimental belongings that he wanted to keep so they could be shipped home to Los Angeles.

He watched the snow falling outside and, while he liked it, he really wasn't going to miss it that much. The constant cold, the dreary gray skies, the hassle of driving in the snow...no he wouldn't miss any of that and if he wanted to, he and Ellie could drive an hour and a half and go skiing at Big Bear, and all in the same day they could have a picnic on the beach in the warm Southern California breeze. He was ready to go home now and started to get impatient waiting for the car service to arrive. As if on cue, the car drove up and a uniformed junior officer knocked eagerly at his door.

"Lieutenant Colonel Casey, Sir, let me get your things in the car for you. These papers came for you, Sir, and I've been instructed by General Beckman to ask you to read them before we leave." He saluted John and opened the door for him.

"Thank you." John took the manila envelope and got seated. He hesitated for a moment. God he hoped it wasn't a change of orders, as this was always how they came, some junior officer would present them and always at the last minute. He opened the envelope and was relieved to find a hand written note on the Generals personal stationery.

John,

I'm so sorry I wasn't able to meet with you this morning. I wanted you to know that I did think over your situation with HGTV and I feel it would be a good way to promote and solidify your business cover. I'm granting permission for you to appear. Make no references to your military connections and enjoy yourself. And, Lieutenant Colonel, I assume I will be invited to the final party presentation at the end of the episode. I will remain out of focus of the camera but want to enjoy this with you as well. After all, it is my favorite program.

As to the sale of your townhouse, I would like to speak with you about that as I am personally interested in it. My son and daughter-in-law are looking for a home in the area and I think your place will work nicely. I'll discuss the particulars with you at a later time, but I feel we can come to an accord.

Last, I seem to remember the last time Ellie accompanied you here, she and I had a discussion in which she mentioned how badly your knees hurt when you fly with our transport. Enclosed, please find a ticket home, courtesy of my office. Of course it's business class, not first class, but you should be comfortable.

It was good seeing you again and give my regards to Agent Walker. (I'd like her to be present, along with the intersect at the party as well.) The two of you are doing great work and I'm glad you have partnered so well.

Fondly, DB

John read the note again. That was nice of his boss to send him home commercial. And soon, he was going to have one, very excited wife and it appeared one very excited General as well, when he broke the news about the show. It figured, of course, that Morgan would be the catalyst for this type of personal invasion. Honestly, he was more dangerous than most of the intersect related perps John had dealt with. This was going to become quite a circus, but what didn't become a circus when Morgan was involved.

He settled in as the car headed off for Reagan international and called Ellie on his cell to tell her of his flight change.