Chapter 26
On Thursday afternoon Bud came into the Admiral's office to tell him that he had managed to track the new source of the emails to the local library. Both were frustrated that this again would not net them their mysterious emailer.
Friday, Mac received another email about the rape case, once again pointing her to the fact that they young Ensign had three prior offences that should be checked out. This was the first time that there had ever been a repeat of the same email, but then again the others had been acted on and this one had not. So now, at least, they knew that they were coming from someone who would have access to the information that the emails were not being acted on. Unfortunately this still left them with the knowledge that it was an 'in house' job and no more.
When AJ picked Miranda up for their date on Saturday evening he started at the vision before him her midnight blue silk dress was a perfect foil for her blonde beauty. She would be the loveliest woman in the room that night and he told her so. She blushed and told him that he shouldn't lie like that. "I would hope that you know me well enough by now Miranda to know that I would never lie to you!" he stated firmly.
"I'm sorry AJ, it's just that it's been so long since anyone has complimented me like that, that I find it hard to believe at times. Forgive me please, I wasn't implying that you were really lying."
"Okay, I forgive you as long as you promise to believe me from now on," he grinned at her.
"I'll promise to try. How's that?" she bargained.
"Not nearly as good, but we'll work on it!" AJ chuckled.
He took her to the Willard, because it was the nicest place in town that served a grand meal as well as had a wonderful dance band. Over dinner and wine they talked about many things, and when the subject turned to Miranda's daughter, AJ told her that he had a daughter of his own. She asked about her and AJ filled her in on the fact that Francesca was a fashion designer and that she lived in Italy.
"Because that's where fashion is centered?" Miranda asked.
"Not really, her mother is Italian, we met when I was stationed over there. When we divorced Marcella took Francesca back with her. I hadn't seen her in years, because Marcella remarried and asked that I stay away, but a few years ago Francesca contacted me herself and wanted to know if we could try and have a relationship. We've been working at it ever since, we talk and email regularly, and visit as often as we can."
"That's wonderful, AJ, that you have a good relationship with her now," she said, reaching her hand out and placing it over his.
He put his other hand over hers and smiled, "Thank you, it does feel good to have her in my life once again. I did miss her growing up, but she managed to become a fine lady without me somehow."
"You haven't said if she's married or has children. Don't tell me I'm the only grandparent at the table."
"I'm afraid Francesca is in no hurry to provide me with grandchildren. She's too wrapped up in her career even to get married. However, I'm either an honorary grandfather or uncle to the Roberts' brood. I delivered their oldest in my office and they named him after me."
"So you are a man of many talents!" she grinned at him.
"Yes Ma'am, would you like me to demonstrate the proper way to pack a parachute?"
"In public Sir?! What kind of a woman do you think I am?"
"I most humbly apologize Ma'am. There were just so many other things that I could show you in private that I didn't think of parachuting packing as one of them," he gave her a sexy wink.
As he hoped she would, Miranda blushed and she exclaimed, "AJ!"
"Sorry Miranda I just couldn't resist. Will you forgive me enough to dance with me?" he asked holding out his hand to her as he rose and pulled out her chair.
"You seem sure of my answer, sailor," she teased.
"Not sure, just hopeful!" he responded.
To Be Continued….