Page 36 of Famous Last

“OfcourseI want to,” said Spencer, pushing his hardened groin into Marshall’s. “I just don’t think, given everything that’s happened to you recently, that this is a good idea right now. I’m just being honest with you.”

Marshall’s dark gaze became unfocused as he stared past Spencer’s shoulder. After a few moments, he let out a deep, defeated sigh and nodded.

“Yes, you’re right. Of course you are. However much I want this.”

Spencer climbed out of his lap, adjusting himself and sitting back down next to him.

“Me too,” said Spencer. “And if you feel the same way when everything’s blown over, I’ll still be here.”

Marshall chuckled fondly and nudged Spencer’s shoulder.

“I will. Feel the same way. I just hope you will, too.”

Spencer had no doubt in his mind and smiled happily. As he watched the television, he noticed Marshall turn and observe him for a few moments before speaking up.

“You remember I told you I’d been in Afghanistan to interview the cricket team?”

“A human-interest story? Yes, of course I remember.”

“Well, that wasn’t the whole story. The reason we flew there rather than arrange a telephone interview was because—and I can’t give you specific details here—one of the officials who hadbeen opposed to any peace deal had requested an interview to announce a change of heart. But in order to do so, this official insisted that the interview be in person, at a secret location in the Helmand Province, and that they would only speak to me. In order for our team to go, we needed agreements from our government, the UN and, of course, assurances from the Afghan National Security Services.”

Spencer shuddered to think of the kind of dangerous situations Marshall had to face in his line of work.

“And everything went okay?”

“We were in and out in four days. And everything was fine. More than fine.”

“Apart from almost getting killed in an attack at a checkpoint?”

“Well, yes. But we weren’t the target.”

“Not much comfort when the bullets are flying. But I’m glad you got what you wanted. And even happier that you’re here and in one piece.”

Spencer had begun to feel more than a simple friendship with Marshall, but this new piece of information niggled at him, bringing home the often dangerous nature of Marshall’s chosen profession. Once again, he kept the concern to himself.

* * * *

At just after six-thirty, there came an urgent buzzing on Spencer’s intercom. Both Spencer and Marshall looked quizzically at each other before Spencer jumped up to check the video panel.

“Is Darcy usually early?”

“Sometimes,” said Marshall, going to the bedroom to collect his things. “But not often.”

Meanwhile, Spencer picked up the phone and checked the display.

“Oh. My. God!” He didn’t mean to sound dramatic, but the sight had him all kinds of excited. Marshall must have heard his tone because he hurried in from the bedroom.

“Is it the press?”

“No, it’s my colleague Bev. And she’s holding a bottle of champagne up to the camera. Not sure what’s happened, but this must be worth hearing.”

“Are you going to let her in?” Marshall sounded hesitant.

“She knows I met you, Marshall. But she has no idea that you’re here right now. How could she? But she’s not going to be a problem, trust me. Can I let her in?”

“Go ahead. You know I trust you, otherwise I wouldn’t be here.”

When Spencer answered the front door, he barely managed to get out a hello before Beverley pushed past, swiping him with the large bag she clutched under her arm, and heading straight for the stairs.

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