Page 25 of Operation: Valiant Angel

“You didn’t need it, but I’m glad I was here to share in the excitement of a new career.”

“Well, I’m a long way from that, but it’s nice to have this goal and take a first step towards making it happen,” she said honestly. “Even though it can be lonely sometimes, I think right now I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. I’m proud of myself for what I’ve accomplished on my own. You know, I’ve basically been on my own since I was fifteen, but I was never really on my own. I always had a guy I relied on. I’m not that same person anymore. I don’t need anyone to take care of me. Yes, the Marshals gave me this house and this new identity, but I’m the one who stayed clean and got up for work every day. I take care of myself and I’m really proud of that.”

Wilson again found himself smiling into the phone. “You should be. You’re right. You had an opportunity from the Marshals, that’s all it was, an opportunity. You’re the one who’s made your life what it is.”

“Thanks, Jimmy. I hope you don’t mind me contacting you as often as I do.”

“I don’t mind at all, Rae, but you know, you can tell your coworkers about enrolling in college and your goal of becoming a teacher. I’m sure they’ll support you, too.”

“Yeah, I know. I can tell them about it without going into my past at all. I plan to, but I wanted to tell you first.”

“I like that you did,” he said. “But unfortunately, I do have to go. One of my teammates is waiting for me.” He wasn’t sure why he didn’t just say someone was waiting. Well, yes, he did. He didn’t want her thinking it was a woman. For some reason, he thought that might bother her.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t think you’d be working today,” she said.

Jimmy forced himself to laugh. “It seems like I’m always working, no matter what day of the week it is. But you’re off untilMonday, lucky you. I’m actually due to report to the office on Sunday.”

“That stinks,” she said.

He decided against telling her he was in St. Thomas on a dive weekend. “I get other days off here and there that more than make up for it. Anyway, I’ll talk to you later. Thank you for sharing your news with me.”

“Thank you for your support and encouragement. Stay warm. I’ll talk to you later. Bye.”

“Bye Rae,” he said and then disconnected the call.

He downed the rest of his drink and thought how that call had completely purged him of the feelings that had come with that horrible flash of what could have been during the last Op. He realized he was getting something out of this relationship with Rae. This wasn’t the first time talking with her had rid his thoughts of work stuff he wanted out of his brain, if even for just a few minutes.

Fifteen minutes later, Wilson strolled up to the poolside bar where Tessman was snuggled up with both the young flight attendant and another young woman, presumably the friend and fellow flight attendant she’d mentioned. He really wasn’t in the mood for this. They were lovely, but they were young, early twenties, barely.

The same older blonde woman was behind the bar. “Rum and diet?” she called as he reached the bar.

“Yes, ma’am,” he answered with a smile. He greeted the ladies, impressed with himself for remembering the flight attendant’s name.

The friend, Courtney, took a step closer to him when she introduced herself. He couldn’t help but notice her cleavage inthe plunging, loose neckline of her sundress, which had no bra holding those perky breasts in place. He had to admit, the view was pretty spectacular.

“We were just discussing how the ladies go sans underclothing when they’re on the island,” Tessman said, leaning over to say it a bit quieter than the volume of his voice would have been from his own barstool. He made a point of obviously glancing down the front of each of their tops, followed by an appreciative smile.

“Yes, it’s just so freeing,” Courtney said, pressing herself to Wilson. “Nothing says vacation mode like a tropical breeze caressing you where air normally doesn’t touch. We love to go to the nude beach on the French side of St. Martin. Have you gone?” she asked, her gaze fixed on Wilson.

“Yeah, been there, done that,” he said. “Honestly, I love any beach, the sun, the smell of the ocean,” he added to soften his response. He knew he probably sounded like a dick with the matter-of-fact way he’d said, been there, done that. “And of course, diving beneath the surface of the water is the ultimate rush.”

The conversation over the next hour and several drinks became less awkward, but Wilson was just not into it. The girls were just so young. Courtney had just turned twenty-two. And the image that had flashed into his mind of the two boys shot to hell was still in his thoughts, nagging at him. He knew the job they did was serious with serious ramifications. He still couldn’t figure out why his brain had conjured that image. He knew a call to Lassiter was in order, but he would put that off for as long as he could.

When the conversation with Tessman and the two girls turned to discussing an orgy, Wilson knew he wasn’t up for that. Again, he’d been there, done that. He politely declined, citinga headache. Yeah, lame, he knew, but effective. Moments later, Tessman and the two girls finished their drinks and left, arm in arm in arm, to go to Tessman’s room for the night. Wilson knew he’d catch shit for it from Tessman in the morning.

“I didn’t take you for one to pass up opportunities,” the bartender said to Wilson, in her New York accent, after he’d watched Tessman and the girls disappear into the hotel.

“Not interested in that particular opportunity,” he told her, motioning to his drink for another. “And you have exceptional hearing.”

As the bartender slid the glass in front of him, her gaze shifted to where Tessman and the two women retreated. “Most men wouldn’t pass on that for another of my crappy drinks,” she said.

Wilson held the drink up to her. “Well, first off, your drinks aren’t crappy. And secondly, not missing anything. Been there, done that, not interested in it tonight.”

She raised an eyebrow questioningly.

“Don’t get me wrong, there was a time I’d be all over that,” he said. “I guess I’ve settled down. Besides, both those girls are young, very young.”

“Again, most men wouldn’t pass on that. The younger the better,” she said.

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