Page 88 of Very Special Forces

"Whathappens to Captain Harris and Sergeant Major Kafsky now?" Iasked.

"Theyweren't involved in the theft but they should have stepped upsooner when they noticed the tank was gone. There will be some flakbut they won't lose their jobs," said Major McAuley.

"Thankyou. And McTavett? He doesn't deserve to lose his jobeither."

"He willlose his job since he was involved in the theft, even though it wasunder duress, but I think I can get him an honorable discharge.There will be nothing on his record so his future job prospectswon't be severely impacted."

"Thankyou," I said because I knew things could be far worse for McTavett.I was fairly sure he would be pleased to have his family home safeand that he was no longer on the job that put them in so muchjeopardy. Avoiding prosecution was a lucky bonus.

"I canonly swing this because of your help. We have the tank secured andit was a good resolution to the problem and no harm was done. We'lldress up the paperwork as if this was our sting op from start tofinish."

"I'msure everyone concerned will agree to that," I said.

"You'removing it tonight?" asked Solomon.

"Soon.We've intercepted intel that the buyers are due to pick it up theday after tomorrow so as soon as we have them in custody, we'llarrange to relocate the tank. Until then, we'll secure thewarehouse and transport the hired guards we have in custody to FortCharles for interrogation. You don't have to worry about us gettingin the way of the Feds either," said Major McAuley.

We shookhands again and Solomon and I walked over to our cars. "This is agood thing," he said. "You might want to break it to your buddiesfirst that they're off the hook."

"They'llbe relieved to hear it."

Solomonleaned against my car and folded his arms. "How's the other case?Wrapped up?"

"Notyet. I told my client about Bryce attempting to coerce me and shewas as appalled as anyone would be. I have a lot of information butno concrete evidence. I'm at a crossroads. I can tell my clienteverything I know, but it's all hearsay. I don't think hearsay willhelp her friend leave a man who is no good for her." It wasn't theresult I was looking for but I wasn't sure how much further I couldgo.

"Sometimes we have to realize that some cases don't end allneatly wrapped up or happy."

Ithought about Julia and how sad and strained she looked whenconfronted by Jas and me and the police officers. Jas sent a textto say things remained quiet at Julia's apartment, which was goodnews, but I wondered how long it would continue. What happened toJulia if Bryce encouraged her to sell her apartment and move awayfrom her friend? "I wish this one did."

"Let'sgo home and get some sleep. Things might be clearer in themorning."

"Raceyou," I said.

"I havea bigger, faster car."

"In thatcase, I'll just see you at home." I pushed up on tiptoes and kissedhim on the lips.

"Howtired are you?" asked Solomon.

"Not onebit. I'm wired."

"Drivesafe," he said and winked. "We'll celebrate the end of this case athome."

"Itwasn't even your case," I pointed out.

"Youdon't want to celebrate?"

Ismiled. "Oh, yes, I do."

~

I wokelate with Solomon's arm wrapped around me, hugging me against hissmoldering hot body. I closed my eyes and refused to be properlyawake for another five minutes. When I felt Solomon stirring, Isqueezed closer and snuggled up to him.

"I'm solucky," I mumbled against his chest.

"Did youjust say I'm yucky?" he asked sleepily.

"No.Lucky."

---