Page 164 of Return To You

What now?

I start typing, The local high school is under a Cipherstorm ransomware, but another text comes in.

Sasquatch on the loose?

… system is contained for now but threat extended to students via portal…

Maple syrup laced with poison by the Russians?

… TTPs point to foreign intrusion, rollbacks DOA as of now…

Cheddar cheese pirated by the Chinese?

… Advising FBI be brought in but would strongly advise Joint Task Force…

Canadians illegally crossing the border?

… Suspect this might be a test for broader attack. While this might be for CISA, would suggest we keep a finger on it

Emerald ash borer attacking the covered bridges?

Shit, how does he even know about the emerald ash borer?

I hit send on my long-ass text message.

The app dings. Incoming call.

“Sir,” I answer smartly.

“What the fucking fuck did you get the fuck into?”

“Just helping out the community. Totally fine if the Air Force doesn’t see it as their problem.”

His silence is more concerning than his abusive usage of a perfectly satisfying expletive. “Looks like we’re missing paperwork in your file.”

Yup. That would be the Confirmation Orders. Still unsigned by me. I would never have done that a few months ago. Always had all my i’s dotted and my t’s crossed. In fact, it’s been my plan to get that done… I just never got around to it. And now? Looks like it’s giving me options. Leverage.

God, I am becoming a piece of shit.

“Don’t hate yourself,” my C.O. says as if he’s reading my mind. “You’re hitting a milestone. It’s understandable you’re thinking things through.”

I don’t answer. I don’t know what to answer.

“I’m gonna get some heat if I don’t staff Brussels.”

I stay quiet.

“Fuck. That bad, huh?”

I did talk about Grace to my C.O. And about Emerald Creek. “I just can’t watch my life pass me by, sir.”

“Oh—I know the feeling. I’m twice divorced. Believe me, I know.”

When Grace offered to come visit me a week out of the month in Brussels, I was faced with the practicality of what a long-distance relationship was going to look like.

And I didn’t like it.

Not one minute.

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