Rifiuto: Non Miriena
Jo turned back as the memory faded. It took a moment before Zane realized they were in Arlington, at a military funeral.
She took a deep breath, straightening her back as they folded the flag, and presented it to her father. She spent the majority of the funeral lost in thought, memories of Davie running through her mind. Her dark eyes looked out over the gleaming stones of Section Sixty-One, seeing but not registering. Her attention returned when they presented the purple heart to her father, and started the salute. Once the funeral ended, she went to her father, wrapping him in a hug. He rubbed her back, pressing a kiss to her dark hair.
"I'm so sorry, Peanut. For everything I've put you through." He whispered, holding her face in his hands. She gave him a small smile.
"It's okay, Dad. I'm sorry too. I wasn't exactly easy on you." He chuckled softly, rubbing her back.
"Come on, there's someone I want you to meet. Two someone's actually." He led her and her brothers from the grave; they stopped in front of two men in military uniform. Jo's dark eyes went from one to the other before she turned back to her father.
"Dad, I.. I already know Uncle Theo-"
"It's good to see you again. You've grown up so much since I last saw you, Josefina." She swallowed, closing her eyes briefly.
"Thank you, Uncle Theo."
"Uncle Theo?" Zane asked, as the man turned towards them. His eyes widened and he choked. "Mansfield?!" She chuckled softly at his reaction. He turned to her. "You... you..."
"I grew up in a military family. Perhaps the most decorated family in American military history, dating back to at least the War of Eighteen-Twelve. The Mansfield family is as decorated as mine. Mansfields and Lupos have served side by side in the military for years. It was only natural for me to call him Uncle Theo. He and my dad served together, were decorated together... my dad was promoted to General not long after we moved to Germany. Uncle Theo came over from his station in Quebec to be there when he was promoted. When Davie died..." She wiped tears off her cheeks. She looked up as Zane laid a hand on her shoulder.
"You don't have to go on." She gave him a small smile.
"When Davie died, Uncle Theo was the one to give us the news. I'd just finished my phsyical therapy and... was planning on re-enlisting." He nodded.
Mansfield gave her a smile, and held his arms around to her. After a moment, she went to him, letting him wrap her in a hug. "I'm so sorry about Davie, Josie Lou-Who." He rubbed her back, and she sniffled.
"Thanks." She pulled away, looking up at him. "What are you doing here? I mean... besides-" She gestured back to the cemetery. He sighed.
"I want you to meet Major William Cobb and Samuel Lovejoy." He said, turning towards the two men beside him. One was in military dress, the other, in a nice black suit. Both nodded to her. "Gentlemen, this is Michael's daughter, Josefina." She shook their hands, glancing back at Mansfield and her father.
"What's going on?" She asked.
"Jo, Bill and Sam are here because-"
"We think you would be a good addition to Eureka." Cobb said. Jo's brow furrowed.
"Eureka?" He nodded. "What's..."
"Unfortunately we can't tell you unless you sign a confidentiality agreement." Mansfield said. Jo nodded.
"So..." Jo bit her lip. "Why do you want me to come to Eureka?" She asked. "Especially since I was... considering returning to the Army and going on another tour." She saw them all flinch.
"I'm... afraid you can't return for another tour, Josie Lou-Who. At least for now." Mansfield said. She swallowed, digesting the information.
"Very well. When do I leave for Eureka?" The men glanced at each other. "When do I leave?"
"As soon as you want, Josie Lou-Who." Mansfield replied. She nodded.
"Good. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have packing to do." And she moved past them, going to the car.
Zane turned to her. "That's how you ended up in Eureka, isn't it?" She nodded, looking up at him.
"Yeah. It's how I ended up in Eureka."