Chapter Twelve
Lee stood at the grave, his service cap in hand and his head bowed. He wasn't here to mourn the Widow, he had in fact, not attended the burials of Lauren and Lisa Davenport. Her estranged family had chosen only a small private graveside gathering; the duty of burying family members guilty of seven murders a difficult one to bear. Roger Davenport had extended his thanks to Lee for his part in bringing Lauren and Lisa's deeds to an end, and had assured him that he and his mother held no ill-will towards him. He had gone as far as to say that the family had for years wondered about the sudden death of his father. Exhuming the body after so many years wasn't an option, and with the twins now dead, there wasn't much to be gained. He appreciated Roger Davenport reaching out to him, and their short meeting had helped him find some measure of closure.
Today he had returned to Rod's grave in San Diego to pay his respects and say a few words to his long-time friend.
"I'm sorry it turned out like this, Rod. You asked me to take care of Lauren, but you had no idea what she was. I know you'll forgive me for what I had to do to clear your name and to stop them from ever doing it again," he said quietly, remembering what Chip had said about marrying his friend's wife when he was barely cold in the grave. "I'm just here to say 'Good-bye, Buddy'," he said, finally feeling he could properly mourn his friend.
He stepped away ready to put the mission in the past and move on. He knew Rod would want that too, and now that he was fully recovered from the ordeal he could devote himself to the life he loved so much aboard Seaview. He squared his service cap and walked back to the car where Chip was waiting, leaning against the door with his arms folded casually in front of him.
"You okay?" the blond asked quietly.
"Yeah, I just needed to say a few things."
Chip nodded, rounding the car and getting into the driver's side, while Lee took the passenger seat.
"So, do you want to grab something to eat before we fly back," Chip asked, wondering which direction he should drive, towards town and the restaurants or toward the dock where FS-1 was docked.
"You know what I'd really like?" Lee asked with a small grin.
"What?"
"Let's get back home, order a pizza, and have dinner on the Front Porch. I've already got my gear packed; I planned on staying aboard tonight."
"Sounds like a plan," he replied with a grin, taking in the peace his best friend was emanating just now. He wasn't broody or down, it was just Lee Crane missing his Gray Lady and soaking in his first cruise back since the long three-month mission and six-week recovery from the broken leg. The crew wasn't scheduled to arrive until the next morning, so Chip knew Lee was looking forward to the quiet comfort Seaview brought her Master and Commander. "Wouldn't be surprised if the Admiral is on board already," Chip added.
"Yeah," Lee replied, his grin widening. "Better order lasagna and salad too," he amended.
"And three long necks," Chip added.
"All right, but only three," Lee conceded, limiting their beers to one a piece the night before a launch, an unnecessary order for his by-the-books XO, and indeed delivered in jest.
"Spoilsport," the blond answered in a faux pout.
"Just keep your eyes on the road and mind your driving, Morton."
The two chuckled and then settled into boat business, comfortably discussing the issues of running a nuclear submarine.
VTTBOTS
"Status Mr. Morton."
"Everything ship-shape and ready to answer bells, Skipper."
"Very well; all back, dead slow," Lee ordered as Seaview and her crew responded to his commands. He could feel the hums of her engines under his feet, as he expertly guided Seaview over the breakwaters, while the crew reveled in the return of their captain at the helm.
"Sonar report," Lee called once they were out to sea.
"All clear, Sir," Kowalski replied.
"Very well; Hydrophones?"
"All clear, Sir," Patterson answered as Lee shot over a devious grin to the pair, who both had an idea what was coming next.
"Very well. Mr. Morton, I hope she's battened down tight, because I intend to put her through the paces," Lee informed in his best command voice, as Harry watched effectively keeping his grin subdued, but failing to keep the gleam of satisfaction out of his blue eyes.
"She's ready at your command, Sir," Chip replied in his best XO voice, knowing that Lee was about to execute some serious Angle and Dangle maneuvers.
"Very well," Lee replied turning to look out Seaview's windows and ready to execute his first sharp turn, as Harry stepped up beside him.
"Welcome back, Lee," he said quietly.
"Thank you, Sir, it's good to be back," he returned, before smiling thinly as his apparent glee reached his own eyes. "Hold on to something, Sir."
Harry nodded both his understanding and approval as Lee turned toward the control room.
"Mr. Morton, on my command execute hard right rudder," he ordered, losing his grin and going all business as he commanded Seaview; the greatest boat to sail the seven seas… and the undisputed love of his heart.
The End
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A/N Thank you all for joining me on this rather different story, as I explored the twists and turns of a new genre. I trust you found the ride satisfying, despite its dark tone. It was my intention to post the story quickly, so that we could all return to happier themes while celebrating the season. And so I offer all Voyage readers this wish; May Fair Winds and Following Seas always guide you back home for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Subjockey