Page 43 of Digit's Deflection
Ripping off the rest of my clothing, I climb in the shower and stand there until the water runs cold, giving vent to the grief bottled inside.
Once I’m dry and dressed, I pick up my phone to call Liora. She’s the only person I want to talk to. I listen to her phone ring, and for a panic-stricken moment, I think she’s not going to answer. But then she does, and I have to swallow real hard to get any words out past the lump in my throat.
“Hey,” I finally manage.
“Hi yourself. Are you back home?” Liora’s voice is like a balm for my broken heart.
“Yeah, er – we got back a short while ago.”
Silence greets my words, at first. Then she asks, “Treven, is everything all right? You sound strange.” This time it’s me who’s quiet. I can’t quite decide the right words to tell her what’s happened. “Treven? You’re scaring me. Are you okay?”
“No, princess, I’m not?—”
“Oh God, are you hurt? Where are you? I’ll come to you.”
“No, Li, I’m not hurt. It’s Maverick.”
“Who’s Maverick?” I realize she’s only ever known Maverick by his real name.
“Shit, sorry. I forgot you only knew Mav by his given name. John Henderson.”
“Sheri’s John?”
“Yeah, him.”
“Did he and Sheri ever hook up?”
“Yeah, actually. They got married and have three beautiful kids together.”
“Oh, that’s so awesome. I’m so glad for them. I remember how in love they were.”
Jesus, does that innocent statement hurt.
“Um, about John – long story short. He also signed up to join the SEALs. We were on this mission together …” My words falter.
“Trev—”
“He was killed. I’m flying out to accompany him home and to go break the news to my sister.” I cut her off, knowing that any sympathy she offers me now will be my undoing. It’s bad enough I cried like a baby not even thirty minutes ago. But I should have known Liora would come through in a way I needed her to. That was always her way when we were kids.
“Oh, baby, no. Treven, I’m so sorry. What can I do? What do you need me to do for you?” I bite my tongue before I can blurt out words begging her to go with me. But, as if she can read my mind, she saves me the trouble. “Do you want me to go with you? I’m sure if I tell Master Sam what’s happened, he’ll give me some time off.”
“I want to say, thanks but no. I don’t want to impose. But I can’t. I need you so desperately right now, I’m too selfish to turn your generous offer down.”
“You don’t need to say any more. I’ve got you. Let me go talk to Master Sam quickly and I’ll phone you right back. How long do I have?” Checking my watch, I tell her. “Okay. Give me a few and I’ll call you back.”
“I’ll be here.” I’m about to hang up but stop. “Thanks, Li. You have no idea how much this means to me.”
“No need to thank me. I’d do anything for you.” And with that, she hangs up.
A little more settled having spoken to her, I pack my bag in preparation for the trip I’d hoped I’d never have to make. The trip none of us ever wants to make. But it’s the harsh reality of the job we do. The risk we take each day we put our uniform on.
I’m sitting cradling a cup of coffee, staring off into space, when my phone rings and jolts me out of my trance.
“Nicols,” I reply, not checking the screen.
“It’s me. It’s all arranged. Can you come get me? I just need to swing past my place to pack a bag and then I’ll be ready to go,” Liora says, and I feel my body unclench just the tiniest bit.
This is going to be one of the hardest things I’ll ever have to do in this lifetime, but having Li by my side will make it a little more bearable.
