Bitter Waters

Part Eight

Kermit arrived back in Washington, DC a few days later to file his report and to check on his friend and mentor, Paul Blaisdell.

"I understand the mission was a success." Styles said as Kermit entered his office with his report in hand.

"Depends on what you mean by success," Kermit stated then tossed the folder on to Styles' desk.

"You don't think it was?"

"Let's just say for my part in it, that went off without a hitch," Kermit said with sarcasm. "They got what they needed, but the place wasn't what it appeared to be."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Styles questioned.

"Everything is in my report." Kermit said, thinking about what he had written. He decided after all to do a complete report, but he left off the part about Kahn and the old man asking for his help to protect Peter Caine. As far as he knew Peter Caine was the only surviving student out of all the children, and it angered him that innocent lives were lost. He did include the information about the monastery and its true purpose. What Styles didn't know is that he also filed a report with the department head, and brought to that person's attention about the mission dossier. He explained how there was very little detail, and because of that, what they thought was a mission to stop terrorists, turned out to be a massacre of a religious order. 'Maybe something will get done to make certain this doesn't happen again,' Kermit thought.

"Good. I'll read it later. I have another mission for you, but that can wait. Take some time off. Say a month. You've done two missions in a row. That's enough for now. We'll talk when you get back. Also there's a little bonus in your pay envelope this month. Enjoy."

"Thanks," But Kermit did not feel like celebrating and he felt like he didn't earn it. It felt like a sham. Perhaps there was some other use he could put the money. Besides, he had someone else he wanted to see. Kermit left Style's office. He was heading out of headquarters before he realized there was one other thing he needed doing. Once that was done, he would head to the small home of Paul Blaisdell.

With the task complete Kermit drove up Connecticut Avenue and past the National Zoo. Paul's home was off of Brandywine Street, a good location for the kids with at least three parks and the zoo all within walking distance. Kermit arrived to find that Annie had taken the girls shopping with a friend and Paul was slowly recovering from the bullet wound that nearly ended his life. Kermit made himself comfortable while Paul made coffee. He looked up when Paul brought two steaming mugs of the brew into the living room, limping along.

"I could have done that," Kermit stated. "You need to be off that leg."

"It's all right," Paul answered. "You look like you lost your best friend."

"Is it that obvious?" Kermit stated, even though he tried to hide it behind his trademark sunglasses.

"You know I can read you like a book. Is it this last mission? I heard that Styles sent you out west."

"The mission turned out to be a success and a failure," Kermit stated with disdain.

"What happened?"

"There were no terrorists. The place was exactly what it was, a monastery full of monks and students."

"You mean Styles sent you out to destroy a monastery?" Paul questioned.

"It gets better than that. The man I was supposed to meet who gave Styles the information wasn't even remotely working for the Chinese government. He was a monk looking for revenge."

"Revenge . . . revenge for what?"

Kermit didn't answer. Instead he let his own guilt pour through. "I didn't listen to my own instincts on this one. Innocent lives were lost. And I played a part in it. You got something stronger?"

"No, and you better keep your head clear for the moment. I want to know what Styles said when you gave him your report."

"He didn't read it, not yet. I hope it sickens him as much as it did me. The man needs a lesson in humility. Not likely though. He'll probably send me on one of the worst missions where I'll never see the light of day again. Serves me right. I should have followed my instincts on this one."

"Kermit, you can't blame yourself. You could have refused to take the mission."

"I tried, but Styles made it clear I had no choice. I'm not a demolition expert, but that's what Styles sent me to do. Besides, if I hadn't someone else would be in my shoes right now. And he wouldn't care that real innocent lives were lost."

"What are you going to do?"

"Try to forget about it I guess, move on. That's all I can do. I've got to find a way to keep my feelings out of things like this. But I was brought up with an innate sense of justice and you taught me that knowing everything about a mission before you go into it helps to minimize any mistakes. I didn't follow what you taught. I didn't have all the details. And I didn't question this mission the way I should have."

"You can't beat yourself up over this. What's done is done," Paul consoled and took a sip of his coffee. "You going on any more missions?"

"Not for a month," Kermit sighed.

"Why don't you come with us. Annie and the girls would love to see you. There's a place I'm thinking of moving to. Would like you to see it."

"Styles said you were being retired."

"Not completely," Paul replied. "You don't really retire, you're more selective about assignments. I've been offered a position at a police precinct. Gives me an opportunity to focus on justice without all those bullets coming at me."

"This precinct in the same place you want me to see?"

"I wouldn't be telling you about it if it wasn't. Better drink your coffee. It'll get cold."

"Okay," Kermit agreed to go with Paul then followed up with his own request. He'd been waiting for just the right moment. He picked up his mug then set it back down, not taking a sip. "If you're going to be moving, there's a kid I'd like you to meet."

"Who is it now?"

"It's not what you think. I know you and Annie have been talking about having a baby together."

"That was before we learned that Annie couldn't get pregnant."

"Well you might want to consider adopting or maybe foster care. And I happen to know of a kid who needs a home.

"That's funny coming from you."

"Well I promised someone I would try to help this kid," Kermit said.

"What's the kid's name?"

"Peter Caine," Kermit observed that a look of surprise came over Paul's face when Peter's name was mentioned. "You look like you've already heard about the kid."

"No, but I did know a man named Caine once, several years ago. Could be a coincidence."

"What was his first name?"

"Kwai Chang," Paul replied.

Chills ran through Kermit as if someone had stepped on his grave.

Continues with Part 9