Chapter 11 - The Woman Behind the Rank
My next assignment lasted five months.
When I returned, Jessica met me at the airport.
No surprise party.
No crowd.
Just coffee.
“You look tired.”
“I am.”
“Lake?”
“Lake.”
When we arrived, everything was exactly where it belonged.
My grandfather’s chair.
My photographs.
My mugs.
Even the fishing reel.
Jessica handed me a key.
“New locks.”
“You changed them?”
“With your written permission.”
I smiled.
“Good.”
She grinned.
“I’m trainable.”
We sat outside.
The sunset turned the water gold.
For the first time in years, Jessica asked about my work without treating it like an inconvenience.
Not classified details.
Just me.
“Were you scared?”
“Sometimes.”
“Lonely?”
“Yes.”
“Why didn't you tell us?”
“Because nobody asked.”
That answer broke something open between us.
She apologized again.
I stopped her.
“You don't have to spend the rest of your life apologizing.”
“What should I do?”
“Be different.”
May you like
She nodded.
“I can do that.”
