Chapter 76
"Ris, lease," sobbed Krystal. "I tryd."
"You tried what, Krystal?" Tom asked gently as he waited for the coffee to brew.
"No! Go to fly," she whispered. "Fly way."
"I don't understand, darling. Please tell me what you mean," Tom pleaded as the coffee was finally ready and he poured them both a cup.
"Sleepy," Krystal whispered as her eyes started to drift closed she lay her head on the table.
He sighed and resigned himself to not knowing what she had been talking about, because he was sure she wouldn't remember in the morning. Scooping her up into his arms he carried her to the guest room and loosened her clothing so she would be more comfortable and took off her shoes. Covering her with a light blanket he went back into the other room to clean up and then head to bed too.
Krista woke during the night in pain and got up to use her oils. She was a bit surprised that AJ was still there, but then she smiled and remembered that he said he would stay. After the way she acted last night she hoped that he could still love her!
Waking at his usual 0530 with the urge to go for a run, AJ realized where he was. Getting up quietly he left a note for Krista telling her that he would be by that evening. He had realized that he would have to run home for a clean uniform before going into work that day since he had worn the one that he kept at the office yesterday. He also needed to let Dammit out and feed her. She gave him a 'have you forgotten me?' look when he arrived home and hurried out back to do her business. AJ took a quick shower and dressed as he wondered if Krista liked dogs.
Krystal woke to a hangover like she had never had before; Tom tiptoed around the house trying to be as quiet as he could as they both prepared for work. They made the drive into town in silence; Krystal was embarrassed by her actions of the night before and thought he might now want to call off the wedding since she had been drunk in front of him. And Tom just thought that she wanted it quiet because her head was hurting so badly.
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
0845 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
AJ had asked PO Coates to let him know the minute that Commander Kennex came into the office and at a quarter to the hour she buzzed him to say that the Commander had just come in. "Thanks, Coates," he said and a minute later came out of his office and into the bullpen.
Jen jumped to her feet and called out, "Attention on deck!"
Leaving them at attention, AJ called out, "Everyone front and center," then waited for those in the offices to come out into the bullpen. When they were all there he stepped over to where Krystal was standing. "Most of you were here on Monday when I accused Commander Kennex of acts that she was in no way a part of. The Commander has an identical twin named Krista, who happens to be pregnant with my child. When I saw the Commander and the fact that she was no longer pregnant, I accused her of getting rid of the child. I want you all to know that wasn't true. I owe her an apology, and I do most sincerely offer that to you, Commander. You should not have to work in surroundings where there is doubt of your honor, if you would like a transfer or to bring charges for what I did, there would be no hard feelings on my part, and I will accept whatever decision you make."
"I accept the apology of an honorable man and I think it need go no farther, Admiral," replied Krystal
standing at attention. 'Would the torture never end? Just dismiss us and let me go get a cup of coffee and go crawl in a dark hole somewhere, like my office, maybe?' she thought.
To be continued…