585 Words

Chapter Fifteen, Transfer 2: Feeling the Heat

Another hour later, and they finally found out that Djhami would be fine. Becker and the professors drove back to Zabid.

Becker was exhausted, but he needed to talk to Jess. He tried a connection, unsure if she'd be at the ARC. It was late evening in London.

Jess' face greeted him. "Hi."

He laughed. "Hey. You're still there."

"I couldn't leave without word on Djhami."

"The colonel didn't notify you?"

"Yes, he did, but, I wanted to see you."

He laughed. "I'm glad. That's why I'm still awake." She giggled. "You look tired too, Jess."

She giggled. "I'm not as exhausted as you must be. How long has it been since you've slept?"

"I don't remember," he said, rubbing his eyes. "So, anyway, I want to hear what the colonel said."

She sighed. "I'm not sure I like him."

"No?"

"He said he was conflicted about you. He either wants to buy you a drink or have you executed."

Becker chuckled. "Yeah, that kind of sums up our meeting."

"What did you do?"

"Not much. I just held him accountable for the safety of his men."

Jess smiled. "That sounds like you."

"Does it?"

"Yes. I was afraid you threatened him or something."

Becker yawned. "Not that I recall. I wasn't sugary sweet or anything though."

Jess giggled. "You never are." She blushed. "Except maybe to me."

Becker smiled. "Yeah. You're the exception."

She smiled. "I'm proud of you."

"Are you?" he asked with a grin.

"Don't get cocky," she warned. "I'm angry that you put yourself at risk, but Djhami and the men deserve respect."

"They do."

She smiled at him and he spent a few seconds simply looking at her. "So…did the colonel say anything else?"

"Like what?"

"Like, someone in Yemen wants to make you a women's rights icon?"

She laughed. "Oh, yes," she said, grinning broadly.

"Now it's your turn…don't get cocky."

She giggled. "Truly, I'm honored," said Jess, "but I was only doing my job."

"And doing it brilliantly."

She blushed.

"Honestly, Jess, you went above and beyond."

She looked at him. "I…I feel like I can't take credit." She blushed deeper. "I did it for…you."

He smiled. "I was hoping…"

"Were you?"

"Yeah, Jess." He wanted to say more, but he couldn't find the words. He didn't know how to say how much he cared for her.

Jess felt the awkward silence. "Well, uh, it does seem a little conspicuous," she said. "I mean, the colonel prattled on about keeping Yemen's anomaly secrets. In that case, a public service message seems out of place."

Becker laughed. "They'll find a way to keep the giant scorpions out of it."

"Then it will be dull."

"Oh, no, Jess, not with you in it."

"Thank you, you're sweet."

"No, I'm not, Jess, you're just so amazing that I have to compliment you."

"Aw…Becker, you shouldn't," she said, smiling.

"Jess, you saved his life."

"It's…my job."

Becker stared at her. "You do a lot more than your job, Jess. These poor ARC branches. They're stuck with lower quality coordinators in comparison."

"Thank you."

"It's true."

The silence was back, but it wasn't as awkward. Unfortunately, Becker's body broke the spell by yawning.

"You should get some sleep."

"I guess. You should too."

"I will if you will."

He laughed. "Sounds like a pact."

She smiled. "Take care, Becker. I'll speak to you again soon."

"Swear on the colonel's life?"

"Becker! Yes."

He smiled. "See you soon."

End of Chapter Fifteen