Calling a Truce

Chapter 8

Saturday morning arrived glorious; sunny without a cloud in the sky. The temperature was a little on the high side but warm is one of the reasons we Angelenos live here.

It turns out that Sara and Gretchen were going to be in San Diego today. They'd get home tonight with Michelle and Kamron. Kensi and Nell had flown down last night to meet them. We boys had the day all to ourselves to accomplish our mission. Eric chose today to do computer cleansing so he'd join us later in the day.

I'd stopped the night before for several cans of paint for the shed; two fire engine red for the building and one of a light yellow for the trim. Even though it wouldn't be a cupcake in the back yard it would be bright and my sunshine would love it!

I got to the house at seven and began coffee and laid out the pastries that Sara had left as well as the pitcher of water and the sliced lemons. She knew it would be hot today.

When I broached the subject of a train station Deek's eyes had lit up. He went quiet, thinking and then began drawing. By the time we got called for a case that morning his plans were completely drawn. He was like a little kid about trains. Kensi said he stopped at the hardware store, bought the lumber and paint. When they got home he wolfed down dinner and locked himself in the garage for a couple of hours.

Sam said he only called once all week for quidance.

Sam arrived fifteen minutes after I did, grabbed a coffee and went out back to lay out his tools and begin his measurements. The smaller window needed to be replaced with a larger one that would be the ticket window. Later he'd cut the door into a Dutch door to let in more light and air. This afternoon he'd put the shelves in to keep the toys off the floor. I was sure Gretchen would love it.

Deeks arrived next carrying his almost completed sign, the post for it and his double soy latte. We ragged on him for a minute or two for his choice of beverage.

The work moved along quickly with Sam directing every step of the way. I've been learning to work with tools and so has Deeks but we're a long way from Sam's expertise.

Around noon we ate lunch and finished all the small details before painting began. Deeks had already dug the hole for his train crossing so he mixed the cement and we held it in place while he poured.

When all was completed we sat back and awaited our ladies return. Eric called saying the computer problems were taking longer than expected and that he'd not be making it. We let it be known that he could still come by later for burgers and hot dogs. He mumbled something and hung up.

At four we broke out the celebratory cocktails and began talking and of course the conversation turned to Sara and me.

Sam took a swallow of his beer, looked to Deeks and then back to me. I knew what was coming. "G, when are you going to come home? Both you and Sara need each other, Gretchen is missing you and no matter how you fix this shed, bring flowers and pizzas, it's not going to change any of your needs or desires. Really talk to her, tell her about your feelings and how your past made you who you are. She'll understand that."

I didn't have the heart to tell them that I'd already tried that. I think Sara understood but I'd been the stubborn fool and blown it.

Deeks spoke next. "Wouldn't you feel better being here with them? I agree with Sam, talk with her. Let your guard down. Sara is the one you should be able to do that with, don't you think? You were able to talk with me a week or so ago and believe me I appreciate what you said but tell her and make sure you listen to her. It's getting to be harder to do that isn't it? Don't get stuck in your own mindset."

I nodded in acceptance of all they'd said. I knew it was true. I just didn't know how to respond to them. As it turned out I didn't have to. The ladies arrived all talk turned to their trip and the parcels they'd brought in with them.

It took Gretchen all of three seconds to spot her train station and Uncle Sam and Uncle Marty showed her around. I told her I'd help her put all her trains and trucks in when the paint was dry.

Nell asked about Eric and we told her he sends his apologies. She packed her stuff and left for the office to help him.

Deeks and Kensi helped Sara get ready for dinner and Sam and I got the grill ready.

As far as subtle, Sam and Michelle were anything but. They thought I didn't see them and their silent conversation, but I did. I'm going to have to talk to Sam about it.

The next thing I know Michelle had me by the arm dragging me to the bench. I girded my loins for this battle. She's one tough cookie. "G Callen, how long is this going to go on? Your wife wants you back home, so do it. What is it that's keeping you from doing that? Is it your damn male pride? Oh and before you give me that look, I've seen it on my husband's face a hundred times. If it ain't my idea it ain't going to happen. Fix this and come home." On that note she got up and went inside. Like I said she's a force to be reckoned with.

Sam just laughed. "See what I have to put up with on a daily basis?"

I smirked back. "Glad it's you. Don't sic her on me again, please. Sara and I are talking it's just taking longer than we both expected. Bear with us, okay?"

He nodded and Deeks came out with the meats and rolls for the grill and we began cooking. Potato salad, condiments, lettuce, tomatoes and pickles came out with Kensi and Kamron, who put them on the table and then we all gathered round and the eating commenced.

Conversation revolved around the San Diego trip and how much fun they all had. It felt good to see Sara smiling and laughing with Michelle and Kensi. Kamron and Gretchen played on the swing. Kamron is a few years older and takes good care of Uncle G's little girl. She is a sweetheart.

After a while the couples began to peel off and head for home leaving Sara, Gretchen and I. Gretchen fell asleep in my lap and both Sara and I agreed to forgo her bath.

While she tucked Gretchen in for the evening I poured myself a beer and waited for her in the kitchen.

When she reappeared she wore a look of resignation, anger and just plain exhaustion. The weekend had taken it out of her. "What do you want G? I have things to do and am bushed." Her tone wasn't what I'd expected.

I gazed into her eyes and hoped that she'd see it was time for a good talking, one that might bring us back together. "I want to help you. I want us to return to where we were. How can I do that?"

Her tone wasn't the only thing hostile. Her eyes grew green with fury. "You walked out of here a month and a half ago and now you want to know what it is that you can do to help?" She let out a long painful sigh. "Why did it take so long?" She took a moment to gather her thoughts. "Do you remember who you married? That capable woman who carried your child beneath her heart never once believing you'd leave her or that you were dead? Do you remember her killing a Comescu henchman in cold blood in her living room? She'd have killed Anton Comsecu as well but she didn't have a bullet for him. That's the woman you married not some shrinking violet who needs to be protected." She shook her head and turned her back on me. "I'm tired of rehearsing for whatever so go back to the boatshed and leave me alone."

All of this had caught me off guard. What did she mean by 'rehearsing'. "Rehearsing for what?"

She turned, looked me dead in the eye and kind of laughed a small laugh. "A divorce."

She'd managed to shock me with that sentence. "A divorce? I don't want a divorce. I want you, Gretchen and the new baby. I just need a little more time. Can I just have a few more days?"

Her laugh grew to be a sneer and her tone more mocking. "Sure, take all the time you need. I'll just keep being both mother and father to our daughter. I'll keep up the house and yard. Don't worry about anything just go back to the boatshed and think. That's all you need to do."

She rose and went out back to finish tidying up.

I asked if she needed my help. I got no response. I said good night to her, went in and checked on Gretchen and let myself out the front door feeling like I'd just lost my world.

As I drove I knew I should go home, but I didn't.