(Revised 6/15/22)

Chapter 10: Confirmation

After the fight with Sean, Donovan refused Julie's breakfast and said he wasn't hungry. She wondered if he had eaten while he was out shopping, but she doubted it. As she started to do the breakfast dishes, he returned to the kitchen, only to shove a manila folder in her hands.

Julie looked down at the folder and then at him.

"Read it," he ordered. "I'll do the dishes." He drew the wet sponge out from the soapy water

Opening the file on Sean, Julie crossed over to the common room couch and sat. She counted the pages, five in all, single-spaced and in a size 9 font. Long overdue for contacts, she squinted her eyes to focus on the fine print. Page by page it detailed Sean's military history, his achievements, and awards, the number of humans who were slaughtered because of him, and his attitude toward his "work." And through reading this, Julie got a clearer glimpse of what Sean had become these past several months. Philip's exhortation was not just his opinion, but a fact.

Through tear-filled eyes, Julie finished the last sentence. She felt horrible for Donovan, knowing all too well how badly he had desired to have Sean in his possession, but this report coupled with the struggles Julie had witnessed these past two days…

Maggie's voice over the CB distracted Julie from her worried thoughts. She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, and then picked up the mic.

"Hi, Maggie."

"I'm sorry we just keep missing each other," Maggie said. "Donovan said you want to stay with me."

Julie exchanged looks with Donovan. "Yeah, I do," she admitted. "Just to get back on my feet."

"I told him I'll be home this Saturday if he'll bring you."

"I don't think that would be possible right now. I really need a ride."

"You want me to come out there?"

"Yes, you'd have to." She hated being demanding but knew it was the only way to get away.

"I see… Well, when do you want me to pick you up on Saturday?"

"Anytime that's convenient."

"How about one?"

"Sure."

"And do you have Chris' number for me?"

The phone call ended with an exchange of information; the number at which Chris was staying, and Julie's location. When it was all said and done, Julie returned the report on Sean back to Donovan, knowing that by sharing it with her, he had shown his acceptance that she would not stay and help him. It was too much to ask of anyone.