p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"CHAPTER THIRTY/span/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"August 31, 1978/span/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThe quiet and calm of the little campsite beside the lake had remained entirely undisturbed by the excitement of the past two style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanTwo kids had run to greet them as they pulled up, and had welcomed Paulie with almost as much enthusiasm as their own style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHowever things had ended between them, she'd done a remarkably good job of protecting her children from the horrific reality of what she thought of their temporary style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanMomma seemed decidedly more distressed by his presence, but relaxed after only a few quiet words with style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThen, as the abbreviated form of the story was relayed in hushed tones, the woman burst into joyful tears as she hugged her style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHannibal smiled with approval as he leaned back against the hood of the van./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanPaulie wisely hung back as the children's attention shifted to style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanConspicuously out of place, he shoved his hands deep into his pockets and watched the scene unfold as the kids dragged BA to the cold fire style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Jessica won't be having any more problems with you," Hannibal said, as if reciting a well-documented historical style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanOut of the corner of his eye, he saw Face and Murdock pull up behind the van./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I never meant to hurt her," Paulie answered style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"I loved her, you style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanStill do."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"If you love her, don't ever come back," Hannibal warned in a cold, flat style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"And if you enjoy breathing, don't ever do it while I'm around."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanPaulie blinked in frank shock, staring at style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"You're threatening me?" he style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"You save my life and now you're threatening me?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"We didn't do it for you," Hannibal said style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"People have died because of you and she could've easily been one of them."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Yeah, but she wasn't," Paulie said anxiously, as if that should've made everything style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"It's all good now."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"It will be," Hannibal style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Once you're gone."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanWith a tense laugh, Paulie shook his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Now, wait a minute, you can't just -"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Let's be clear about what's going to happen," Hannibal interrupted, turning to face the insolent man style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"You're going to say your goodbyes and then you're going to style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBecause if you don't, I will make it a personal goal to see you in a jail cell right next to Roy's."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanTrying for defiant, Paulie only just managed a style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"You got nothing on me."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHannibal smiled back knowingly, and tucked his cigar into the corner of his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Try me," he dared./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Hannibal?"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanJessica's light, relieved voice made him style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe was surprised to see her holding out the briefcase she'd carried into the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I want you to have this," she said as Face and Murdock wandered closer from the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanPaulie's eyes lingered on the black case full of money far longer than Hannibal's style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"I know you guys do this for a living and... well, it's the least I can do."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHannibal removed his cigar before smiling patiently, but shook his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"We can't take your money, Ms. Summers," he said style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Not when you have a house to set up."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Oh, that won't be a problem," she said with a style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"I spoke to the District Attorney at the police station and he referred me to a civil lawyer who's prepared to sue Roy for every penny he's worth in style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanDid you know the man owns a yacht and a New York City penthouse?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Not anymore, he doesn't," Murdock style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"And after he's done repaying you and doing his time in prison for attempted murder and kidnapping, I'm sure the IRS would love to have a word."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Attempted murder, kidnapping, unlicensed firearms, shooting at the military police..."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanJessica laughed style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"The DA couldn't stop rattling off the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI don't even know how to thank style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIt's just... such a relief to know I'll never have to worry about them again."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHannibal style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"I'm style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBut in the meantime, you're going to need money to get back on your feet."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanSmiling softly, she lowered the briefcase to her side style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"I will pay you back," she said with style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Somehow."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"It's on the house," Hannibal reassured her, casting a smile in Momma's direction as she finally approached, dabbing the corners of her eyes with a style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Where you gonna stay?" BA asked as he returned from the fire pit with a kid hanging off each wrist - Heather on his right and James on his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIt never ceased to amaze Hannibal how children just seemed to gravitate toward him./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Well, the kids have really enjoyed the camping," Momma style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Maybe we'll just stay out here a while."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanJessica nodded in style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"It's not so far that I can't drive to work and we have to wait for the insurance to get all worked out before we're going to buy a style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanOnce school starts, we'll have to go back but..."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Really?" Heather's eyes lit style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"You mean we can camp longer?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Will you stay with us?" James questioned, looking first at BA and then Face./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I'm sure they have other things they need to take care of," Jessica replied for them./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"But -"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Who wants to build a fire?" Momma asked, redirecting the attention of both style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"I think we should cook hotdogs for style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanWe've got more than enough for everybody."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"BA, will you help us build a fire?" Heather pleaded, tugging him toward the fire style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanJames pulled from the other style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Yeah, show us how!"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThe rest of the team watched him go along with the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBut Momma hung back long enough to clasp Hannibal's hand, then Murdock' style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Thank you," she said style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"All of you."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Our pleasure," Hannibal replied./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanFace was noticeably hanging back, and distinctly style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanMomma didn't seem to style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanStepping forward, she wrapped him in a full embrace that only a woman of her age and grace could've gotten away style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanFace blinked in surprise, caught completely off guard for a moment by the breach of personal space, then visibly softened as he hugged her style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIt was like watching ice melt./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"So, Paulie, what kind of plans do em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"you /emhave?" Murdock asked as Momma turned away to follow the kids. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHannibal glanced at him, hoping for a good answer to that question./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanPaulie shifted style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Uh, well... um..."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Whatever they are," Jessica said firmly, "they'd better involve you leaving me and my family well enough alone."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanPaulie studied her for a moment, then laughed style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"I...span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI don't wanna cause no problems for you and the kids, Jessie."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanJessica nodded, and crossed her arms over her chest, watching style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAfter a few tense moments of silence, he rubbed the back of his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"I... suppose I need a ride back into town."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I'll take you," Hannibal offered with a pleasant smile./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanFinally, Murdock headed after the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Hey, let's find some sticks for the hot dogs!"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanFace tossed his keys to Hannibal, who then proceeded to all-but-shove Paulie in the direction of the front passenger style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIt was a silent and uncomfortable trip to the car and Hannibal had a feeling it would be a lot more uncomfortable silence on the way back to style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBut before he pulled away, he watched the brief exchange between Face and style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIt ended after only a few tense lines from either side, when Jessica walked to the kindling fire and Face turned and headed in the opposite style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAs he started toward the lake with his hands deep in his pockets, Hannibal frowned, and pulled the key back out of the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Stay here," he ordered Paulie before stepping out of the car again./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"December 19, 1968/span/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThe MPs outside of the stockade saluted before opening the door for Colonel style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanInside, several more rose to their style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"At ease. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI'm here for Sergeant Peck."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHe could feel the tension in the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThe nervous shifting hidden under practiced style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe ignored style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIf Face wasn't here, he certainly wasn't going to take it out on these style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBut they didn't know that./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"He's in the dispensary, Sir," the anxious sergeant reported./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"The dispensary?" Hannibal repeated, eyes style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Why?"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"He had stomach cramps, Sir," the man style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"He looked like he was in a lot of pain."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"How long ago did he leave?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThe younger man flinched, knowing the next words were not going to go over style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"A few hours ago, Sir."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"A few hours ago?" Hannibal repeated style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Why is it taking hours to assess a tummy ache?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I'm... not sure, style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI'll call over there right now and find out."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Do that."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHannibal turned and took a few steps toward the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIf Face was not here, it would seem that he'd made his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThey would call the dispensary, find out he was not there, and apologize profusely as they all scrambled to figure out where in the hell he disappeared to./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"This is Sergeant Aaron style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI'm looking for Sergeant Templeton style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe was sent over with Specialist Rayor and Private Adanai more than two hours ago and his commanding officer is looking for him."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThe sergeant style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"They did?"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHannibal turned, and watched as the blood drained out of the man's style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"How/em long ago?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanIndeed, Face was style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAs he hung up the phone, the sergeant rose shakily to his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Uh... Sir... there's been a slight... mix up, Sir, but we em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"will /emfind Sergeant Peck right away!"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanNo, they wouldn' style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAs Hannibal watched them scramble for the phones and radios, he wondered how far away Face was by style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAn hour wasn't very long, but the kid had always been style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHannibal realized with a detached sort of sadness that he could be halfway to Perth by style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanOr style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe did speak fluent French, after style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe'd never thought to ask him where he'd learned it.../span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAll commotion in the room stopped suddenly as the door style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHannibal turned and blinked in surprise as Sergeant Templeton Peck stepped into the room in clean fatigues, freshly shaven, with a wide-eyed MP on either style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHis guards were quite unable to hide their fear at the part they were supposed to play in this style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanClearly, Face was the one calling the shots style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBut for the sake of appearances, he wore handcuffs./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHannibal hid his smile, hid all visible reaction as he turned fully and faced the three of style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"You're supposed to be in your cell, Sergeant," he chastised./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Sorry, Sir."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanFace's eyes lowered slightly, style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAfter a pause, he looked up style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"I got lost."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThere was more in those words than a simple style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHannibal could feel it more acutely than he could hear style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIt was as close as he would ever get to an apology, and it was style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanWhatever it was lacking in eloquence, it made up for in style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAnd for that, it was worth a thousand words./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanFace raised his eyes, but kept his head style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHannibal nodded as he watched style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"I understand."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanApology style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanFace lowered his eyes again./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"You two."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThe two MPs snapped to attention style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Sir!"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"You are to be commended for finding style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe does have a tendency to get lost from time to time."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThe look of terror turned to one of confusion, and Hannibal looked toward the man at the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Give me his gun and his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI'll escort him to Saigon myself." He cast another glance at Face, who raised his eyes at the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBut his head stayed style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Maybe I'll be able to prevent him from getting lost again."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanFace em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"almost /emsucceeded in biting back his smile, and dropped his head lower as Hannibal took his weapon, and the report, and approached him style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Move it, style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBefore I embarrass you in front of all these people."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Yes, Sir."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanFace complied style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAnd as he followed him out the door and into the scorching sunlight outside, Hannibal didn't even try to hide his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"August 31, 1978/span/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Face?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThe lieutenant looked up briefly, then turned his eyes back to the water, pulling his arm back and skipping the stone over the glassy style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHaving announced his presence and not wanting to intrude, Hannibal slowed a few paces back, then came to a stop beside the younger style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanCigar in hand, he stared out over the surface of the water and watched another stone bounce a few times before disappearing into the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThe kid always had quite an arm./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThe silence wasn't uncomfortable, and it lingered for several minutes before Face finally style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"I thought you were taking Paulie back to LA."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I will," Hannibal answered style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe left off the part about wanting to make sure Face was okay before he left; it was merely implied./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanFace grabbed another stone, but this one was too thick to skip and it plunked down into the water on the first style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanFrowning, he tried another before style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Those kids..."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHe never style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBut he didn't have style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanFace was a man of words, and Hannibal had learned over the years to talk to him like style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBut frankly, he was more than comfortable with saying only what really needed to be said./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"What are you going to do about it?" he asked after the silence lingered for a few more minutes./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanFace laughed, without style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Hell, I don't know..."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe trailed off, as if lost in his thoughts, then bent to pick up another style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"She never told me."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHe'd known style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBut he also knew Face wasn't really informing style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThere was a sort of desperation in his tone, a confusion and uncertainty over what to do style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Eight years ago," Hannibal said quietly, "would you have even wanted to know?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanFace sighed, and finally shoved his hands into his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"I'm supposed to feel something," he style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Some kind of style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAnd I don't - not for them, not for style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBut em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"she /emfeels it; I can look at her and tell she feels it and it scares her because she doesn't want style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI don't know what the hell to do with that."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHannibal paused, and tucked his cigar into the corner of his mouth, considering style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIt was sincere - brutally so - with no attempt to sugar coat style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanFace didn't give a damn about women, as a style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe had no concept of love and she was prone to style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThat gave her every reason to be afraid, and gave him every reason to steer well clear of style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBut Hannibal could tell, with even the briefest of glances at the orphan-turned-soldier-turned-fugitive that there was no way in hell he would simply walk away from those kids, no matter what it cost him or what kind of difficulties it raised with their mother./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"You know, Face -" Hannibal hesitated while he removed his cigar again "- maybe the nature of love is a lot like the nature of trust."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanFace glanced at style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"What do you mean?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHannibal shrugged as he stared out at the water, but he could feel the kid's eyes on style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"You can't feel anything for someone you don't know."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanA long silence followed that simple style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThen, finally, Hannibal turned back, clapping a hand over Face's shoulder before heading back into the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThe silence seemed to linger all the way back to the car./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"August 31, 1978/span/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThe quiet and calm of the little campsite beside the lake had remained entirely undisturbed by the excitement of the past two style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanTwo kids had run to greet them as they pulled up, and had welcomed Paulie with almost as much enthusiasm as their own style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHowever things had ended between them, she'd done a remarkably good job of protecting her children from the horrific reality of what she thought of their temporary style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanMomma seemed decidedly more distressed by his presence, but relaxed after only a few quiet words with style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThen, as the abbreviated form of the story was relayed in hushed tones, the woman burst into joyful tears as she hugged her style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHannibal smiled with approval as he leaned back against the hood of the van./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanPaulie wisely hung back as the children's attention shifted to style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanConspicuously out of place, he shoved his hands deep into his pockets and watched the scene unfold as the kids dragged BA to the cold fire style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Jessica won't be having any more problems with you," Hannibal said, as if reciting a well-documented historical style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanOut of the corner of his eye, he saw Face and Murdock pull up behind the van./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I never meant to hurt her," Paulie answered style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"I loved her, you style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanStill do."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"If you love her, don't ever come back," Hannibal warned in a cold, flat style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"And if you enjoy breathing, don't ever do it while I'm around."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanPaulie blinked in frank shock, staring at style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"You're threatening me?" he style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"You save my life and now you're threatening me?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"We didn't do it for you," Hannibal said style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"People have died because of you and she could've easily been one of them."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Yeah, but she wasn't," Paulie said anxiously, as if that should've made everything style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"It's all good now."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"It will be," Hannibal style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Once you're gone."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanWith a tense laugh, Paulie shook his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Now, wait a minute, you can't just -"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Let's be clear about what's going to happen," Hannibal interrupted, turning to face the insolent man style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"You're going to say your goodbyes and then you're going to style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBecause if you don't, I will make it a personal goal to see you in a jail cell right next to Roy's."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanTrying for defiant, Paulie only just managed a style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"You got nothing on me."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHannibal smiled back knowingly, and tucked his cigar into the corner of his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Try me," he dared./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Hannibal?"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanJessica's light, relieved voice made him style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe was surprised to see her holding out the briefcase she'd carried into the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I want you to have this," she said as Face and Murdock wandered closer from the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanPaulie's eyes lingered on the black case full of money far longer than Hannibal's style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"I know you guys do this for a living and... well, it's the least I can do."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHannibal removed his cigar before smiling patiently, but shook his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"We can't take your money, Ms. Summers," he said style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Not when you have a house to set up."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Oh, that won't be a problem," she said with a style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"I spoke to the District Attorney at the police station and he referred me to a civil lawyer who's prepared to sue Roy for every penny he's worth in style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanDid you know the man owns a yacht and a New York City penthouse?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Not anymore, he doesn't," Murdock style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"And after he's done repaying you and doing his time in prison for attempted murder and kidnapping, I'm sure the IRS would love to have a word."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Attempted murder, kidnapping, unlicensed firearms, shooting at the military police..."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanJessica laughed style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"The DA couldn't stop rattling off the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI don't even know how to thank style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIt's just... such a relief to know I'll never have to worry about them again."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHannibal style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"I'm style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBut in the meantime, you're going to need money to get back on your feet."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanSmiling softly, she lowered the briefcase to her side style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"I will pay you back," she said with style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Somehow."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"It's on the house," Hannibal reassured her, casting a smile in Momma's direction as she finally approached, dabbing the corners of her eyes with a style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Where you gonna stay?" BA asked as he returned from the fire pit with a kid hanging off each wrist - Heather on his right and James on his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIt never ceased to amaze Hannibal how children just seemed to gravitate toward him./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Well, the kids have really enjoyed the camping," Momma style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Maybe we'll just stay out here a while."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanJessica nodded in style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"It's not so far that I can't drive to work and we have to wait for the insurance to get all worked out before we're going to buy a style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanOnce school starts, we'll have to go back but..."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Really?" Heather's eyes lit style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"You mean we can camp longer?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Will you stay with us?" James questioned, looking first at BA and then Face./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I'm sure they have other things they need to take care of," Jessica replied for them./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"But -"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Who wants to build a fire?" Momma asked, redirecting the attention of both style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"I think we should cook hotdogs for style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanWe've got more than enough for everybody."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"BA, will you help us build a fire?" Heather pleaded, tugging him toward the fire style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanJames pulled from the other style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Yeah, show us how!"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThe rest of the team watched him go along with the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBut Momma hung back long enough to clasp Hannibal's hand, then Murdock' style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Thank you," she said style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"All of you."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Our pleasure," Hannibal replied./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanFace was noticeably hanging back, and distinctly style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanMomma didn't seem to style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanStepping forward, she wrapped him in a full embrace that only a woman of her age and grace could've gotten away style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanFace blinked in surprise, caught completely off guard for a moment by the breach of personal space, then visibly softened as he hugged her style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIt was like watching ice melt./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"So, Paulie, what kind of plans do em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"you /emhave?" Murdock asked as Momma turned away to follow the kids. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHannibal glanced at him, hoping for a good answer to that question./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanPaulie shifted style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Uh, well... um..."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Whatever they are," Jessica said firmly, "they'd better involve you leaving me and my family well enough alone."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanPaulie studied her for a moment, then laughed style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"I...span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI don't wanna cause no problems for you and the kids, Jessie."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanJessica nodded, and crossed her arms over her chest, watching style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAfter a few tense moments of silence, he rubbed the back of his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"I... suppose I need a ride back into town."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I'll take you," Hannibal offered with a pleasant smile./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanFinally, Murdock headed after the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Hey, let's find some sticks for the hot dogs!"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanFace tossed his keys to Hannibal, who then proceeded to all-but-shove Paulie in the direction of the front passenger style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIt was a silent and uncomfortable trip to the car and Hannibal had a feeling it would be a lot more uncomfortable silence on the way back to style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBut before he pulled away, he watched the brief exchange between Face and style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIt ended after only a few tense lines from either side, when Jessica walked to the kindling fire and Face turned and headed in the opposite style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAs he started toward the lake with his hands deep in his pockets, Hannibal frowned, and pulled the key back out of the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Stay here," he ordered Paulie before stepping out of the car again./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"December 19, 1968/span/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThe MPs outside of the stockade saluted before opening the door for Colonel style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanInside, several more rose to their style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"At ease. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI'm here for Sergeant Peck."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHe could feel the tension in the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThe nervous shifting hidden under practiced style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe ignored style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIf Face wasn't here, he certainly wasn't going to take it out on these style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBut they didn't know that./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"He's in the dispensary, Sir," the anxious sergeant reported./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"The dispensary?" Hannibal repeated, eyes style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Why?"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"He had stomach cramps, Sir," the man style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"He looked like he was in a lot of pain."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"How long ago did he leave?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThe younger man flinched, knowing the next words were not going to go over style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"A few hours ago, Sir."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"A few hours ago?" Hannibal repeated style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Why is it taking hours to assess a tummy ache?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I'm... not sure, style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI'll call over there right now and find out."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Do that."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHannibal turned and took a few steps toward the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIf Face was not here, it would seem that he'd made his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThey would call the dispensary, find out he was not there, and apologize profusely as they all scrambled to figure out where in the hell he disappeared to./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"This is Sergeant Aaron style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI'm looking for Sergeant Templeton style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe was sent over with Specialist Rayor and Private Adanai more than two hours ago and his commanding officer is looking for him."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThe sergeant style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"They did?"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHannibal turned, and watched as the blood drained out of the man's style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"How/em long ago?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanIndeed, Face was style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAs he hung up the phone, the sergeant rose shakily to his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Uh... Sir... there's been a slight... mix up, Sir, but we em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"will /emfind Sergeant Peck right away!"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanNo, they wouldn' style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAs Hannibal watched them scramble for the phones and radios, he wondered how far away Face was by style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAn hour wasn't very long, but the kid had always been style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHannibal realized with a detached sort of sadness that he could be halfway to Perth by style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanOr style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe did speak fluent French, after style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe'd never thought to ask him where he'd learned it.../span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAll commotion in the room stopped suddenly as the door style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHannibal turned and blinked in surprise as Sergeant Templeton Peck stepped into the room in clean fatigues, freshly shaven, with a wide-eyed MP on either style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHis guards were quite unable to hide their fear at the part they were supposed to play in this style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanClearly, Face was the one calling the shots style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBut for the sake of appearances, he wore handcuffs./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHannibal hid his smile, hid all visible reaction as he turned fully and faced the three of style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"You're supposed to be in your cell, Sergeant," he chastised./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Sorry, Sir."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanFace's eyes lowered slightly, style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAfter a pause, he looked up style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"I got lost."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThere was more in those words than a simple style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHannibal could feel it more acutely than he could hear style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIt was as close as he would ever get to an apology, and it was style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanWhatever it was lacking in eloquence, it made up for in style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAnd for that, it was worth a thousand words./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanFace raised his eyes, but kept his head style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHannibal nodded as he watched style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"I understand."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanApology style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanFace lowered his eyes again./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"You two."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThe two MPs snapped to attention style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Sir!"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"You are to be commended for finding style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe does have a tendency to get lost from time to time."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThe look of terror turned to one of confusion, and Hannibal looked toward the man at the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Give me his gun and his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI'll escort him to Saigon myself." He cast another glance at Face, who raised his eyes at the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBut his head stayed style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Maybe I'll be able to prevent him from getting lost again."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanFace em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"almost /emsucceeded in biting back his smile, and dropped his head lower as Hannibal took his weapon, and the report, and approached him style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Move it, style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBefore I embarrass you in front of all these people."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Yes, Sir."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanFace complied style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAnd as he followed him out the door and into the scorching sunlight outside, Hannibal didn't even try to hide his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"August 31, 1978/span/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Face?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThe lieutenant looked up briefly, then turned his eyes back to the water, pulling his arm back and skipping the stone over the glassy style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHaving announced his presence and not wanting to intrude, Hannibal slowed a few paces back, then came to a stop beside the younger style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanCigar in hand, he stared out over the surface of the water and watched another stone bounce a few times before disappearing into the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThe kid always had quite an arm./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThe silence wasn't uncomfortable, and it lingered for several minutes before Face finally style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"I thought you were taking Paulie back to LA."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I will," Hannibal answered style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe left off the part about wanting to make sure Face was okay before he left; it was merely implied./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanFace grabbed another stone, but this one was too thick to skip and it plunked down into the water on the first style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanFrowning, he tried another before style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Those kids..."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHe never style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBut he didn't have style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanFace was a man of words, and Hannibal had learned over the years to talk to him like style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBut frankly, he was more than comfortable with saying only what really needed to be said./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"What are you going to do about it?" he asked after the silence lingered for a few more minutes./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanFace laughed, without style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Hell, I don't know..."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe trailed off, as if lost in his thoughts, then bent to pick up another style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"She never told me."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHe'd known style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBut he also knew Face wasn't really informing style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThere was a sort of desperation in his tone, a confusion and uncertainty over what to do style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Eight years ago," Hannibal said quietly, "would you have even wanted to know?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanFace sighed, and finally shoved his hands into his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"I'm supposed to feel something," he style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Some kind of style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAnd I don't - not for them, not for style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBut em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"she /emfeels it; I can look at her and tell she feels it and it scares her because she doesn't want style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI don't know what the hell to do with that."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHannibal paused, and tucked his cigar into the corner of his mouth, considering style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIt was sincere - brutally so - with no attempt to sugar coat style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanFace didn't give a damn about women, as a style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe had no concept of love and she was prone to style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThat gave her every reason to be afraid, and gave him every reason to steer well clear of style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBut Hannibal could tell, with even the briefest of glances at the orphan-turned-soldier-turned-fugitive that there was no way in hell he would simply walk away from those kids, no matter what it cost him or what kind of difficulties it raised with their mother./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"You know, Face -" Hannibal hesitated while he removed his cigar again "- maybe the nature of love is a lot like the nature of trust."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanFace glanced at style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"What do you mean?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHannibal shrugged as he stared out at the water, but he could feel the kid's eyes on style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"You can't feel anything for someone you don't know."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanA long silence followed that simple style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThen, finally, Hannibal turned back, clapping a hand over Face's shoulder before heading back into the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThe silence seemed to linger all the way back to the car./span/p