Page 52 of Stryker

“I wish I could say itgets easier,” Shaw said from across the dining roomtable.

Stryker looked up from his laptop.“What doesn’t get easier?”

“The worry over the peopleyou’ve left behind. However, knowing they’re at home waiting foryou makes all the difference.”

“I don’t know, I’m new atthis. I keep thinking about him there alone and something happeningthat I can’t stop.”

“There’s a whole town fullof people watching out for the family we love back home. They’resafe, even if it doesn’t stop you from wishing you could be there,”Shaw said.

“I’m not sure howactive-duty members do six-month tours or more when I’m alreadyantsy, and we’ve only been two days out. It’s a hell of asituation. You love your job, protecting your country and itspeople, but you also love that family you must leave behind everytime. How do you choose?”

Shaw shrugged. “It can’t be a matterof choice. You give your all when you’re here, and then give yourall when you’re with them. You have to believe it’s strong enoughto withstand the distance, but we’re fortunate our missions don’ttake us away for extended periods. Now we’ve retired and only takejobs here and there, we have the luxury of spending more time withthe people we love.”

“You’re right. I couldn’timagine being on active duty and leaving John behind for Lord knowshow long.”

“Exactly, and that’s whatyou need to be thankful for and concentrate on. It could beworse.”

“It could always beworse,” Stryker agreed.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

John

“It’s no fair playinghide-and-seek with you,” Freddie said. “You can see throughthings.”

John couldn’t help but laugh at theyoung boy. “I promise you I am not using my ability to findyou.”

“Then how are you findingme?” Freddie asked.

John pointed to the wagging tailsticking out from behind Freddie.

“Your furry shadow leadsme to wherever you are.”

“Gracie, are you giving meaway?” Freddie laughed before giving the friendly dog a bighug.

Kyle’s service dog had certainly takena shine to Freddie, following the boy everywhere. Today was thethird day the others were away on their mission, and as of yet,they’d only been able to do surveillance on the building in NorthCarolina. The team was working on a plan to gain entrance to thefacility to determine what lay inside.

“You found him,” Kylecheered as he entered the stables. “I was beginning to thinkFreddie had disappeared into thin air.”

“Gracie gave away myhiding spot,” the young boy explained.

“That she did, but whocould be upset with that adorable furry face.” John laughed as hescratched the retriever behind her ears.

“When are you going toopen your letter?” Freddie asked out of nowhere, stopping John andKyle in their tracks.

“What letter?” Kyle askedthe boy.

“The one John carriesaround in his pocket.”

John instinctively touched the pocketof his jeans, and sure enough, the envelope was stillthere.

“How did you know aboutit?” John asked.

“Your dad told me. Hewanted me to ask you to open it,” Freddie said as if talking to aghost was normal. John knew about the boy’s ability to talk to thedead, but this was the first time he’d seen it inaction.

John knelt and looked at Freddie. “Canyou tell my dad I’m not ready to open it yet, please? I need moretime.”

The boy smiled wide. “He says heunderstands and will wait until you’re ready.”

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