The Guilty

Chapter 80

Hours later the small jet lifted off into a clear sky over southern Mississippi.

Robie, Reel, and Blue Man were the only passengers on board.

Robie looked out the window as the rugged terrain of the Magnolia State fell away.

He silently said good-bye to the forests, the abundance of chickens, and the Pearl River. And the gators lying in wait therein.

And to the ghosts of his past that had haunted him so, but a bit less now.

As the plane leveled out Blue Man rose and poured out three drinks from the small bar. He handed glasses to Robie and Reel before retaking his seat.

Robie said, “You never did say why you came down here.”

“Didn’t I? Well, perhaps I didn’t.”

“And?” said Reel expectantly.

“It’s all about asset management,” said Blue Man, taking a sip of his drink. “You are my assets and it’s my job to manage you properly. That involves me inserting myself in situations that, at first blush, seem of a personal nature but may impact the professional side.”

“Well, that’s an answer that says nothing,” replied Reel. Then she lifted her glass in silent praise.

“What did you tell my father about me?” asked Robie.

“I told him that he had a son who had served his country faithfully and well under the most extreme conditions imaginable and at the constant risk of his life.”

“And what did he say to that?”

“Why, is that important to you?”

“It might be.”

Blue Man appraised them both. “After your assorted injuries heal, will you be returning to the field?”

“Do we have a choice?” asked Robie.

“Well, of course you do.” He glanced between them before his gaze resettled on Robie. “It’s just that in your case it may be a more complicated one.”

“What if I told you I can’t answer that question yet?”

“I would say that was perfectly reasonable and that we should adjourn this discussion until a later time. For both of you.”

A little over two hours later the jet glided to a landing at a private airstrip, and they deplaned.

Robie helped wheel Reel toward some waiting vehicles while Blue Man walked next to him.

“He said he would have expected nothing less,” said Blue Man.

“Who?”

“Your father, when I told him what you did for us.”

“Why do I think you’re lying?”

“I may be very good at prevaricating. But I also know when it is time to tell the truth. And I just did. Let me just see to our transportation arrangements.”

He left them and walked ahead to the vehicles.

Reel reached up and gripped Robie’s hand.

“You know you’re going to be okay, right?” she said.

“And how exactly do you know that?” he asked.

“Just two reasons, but they’re compelling ones.”

“What are they?”

“You’ve got me, Robie. And I’ve got you. And while we might fall sometimes, together, well, together we are unbeatable.”

Five minutes later they were driven off. Back to what, neither of them was exactly sure.

But they were returning to their world so secure in the knowledge that they would, at least, not have to face whatever it was alone.

And for Will Robie and Jessica Reel, where each new day could easily be the last one they would ever have, that was all that really mattered.