Page 26 of The Flame of Carson
“Actually, it would be best if they call Tony.”Stacey suggested looking at Tony who nodded.“I’ll give you over to him so you can get his information for them.”She handed the phone to Tony.After Tony gave his number to Sherman, he and the detective spoke a few more moments before ending the call.“Well?”
“Sherman said he was calling the feds from the cyber division, Agents Harrison and Vance, to go over Walt’s computer at home and the office and I should hear from them soon.Sherman said Walt told him that he saved the email he got on his office computer and forwarded a copy to his home computer as well.You staying here or...”Tony started.
“I’m not leaving.If he attacked Walt he’s not here.Sherman said Walt was attacked about an hour before he got there.Even if he does come to Austin, I will not leave my house.Fuck that shit.”Stacey hissed.
Gage stood and gripped her shoulders, “Easy there babe.We weren’t implying that.”
“Gage is right.I was asking because well, I figured when the feds call it would be best if I was near the computer so I could send them what I found here, or they could tap in remotely.”Tony added.
“Then I guess you’ll be staying here.I have a guest room you can use.It’s next door to the office.”Stacey said.
“If he stays, I stay.”Gage stated.He lifted a hand as she started to speak.“Look, I know this fucker isn’t here and I know you’re fully capable of taking care of yourself.I just don’t trust Tony not to make a jack ass of himself with his big mouth and you kicking his ass for it.”
Stacey was silent for a moment before laughter bubbled out.This in turn got Tony laughing and Gage smiling.She was well aware of Tony’s mouth and habit of saying whatever came to mind first before thinking.When her laughter subsided, she spoke again.“Oh, I needed that.Fine, fine you can stay too just to keep your buddy in line.”
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Stacey sighed, steppingonto her back porch.It was a beautiful, quiet night.Stars shown above her in the fall night sky.She had to admit, it was peaceful here in Austin.Yes, she was a New Yorker, but there was something about Austin that appealed to her.Austin was a vibrant city.Something for everyone.Food, business, arts, all the things she loved about New York.Yet, the quietness of her new neighborhood gave her a sense of peace.
“You all right doll face?”
Stacey looked over her shoulder as Tony stepped out of the house.“Yeah, just needed some air.”
“Where’s Gage?”
“He was asleep when I left him.What are you still doing up?It’s what...almost midnight?”
Tony chuckled, “I’m a light sleeper.I heard your bedroom door open and close.Funny, before I joined MARSOC, I was a heavy sleeper.My roommates swore I could sleep through a nuke going off.”
“So, what brought on the change?If you don’t mind me asking.”Stacey asked.
Tony walked to the railing of the porch and leaned on it.“If I had to guess, it was after my first tour with MARSOC.It was my second time being deployed in Iraq, but it was...I don’t know, different than the last time I had been there.It was rougher, harsher.That first night, the camp we were at was mortared three times.That quickly became the norm.Needless to say, my heavy sleeping days were over.”
“Damn.Sounds like hell.”She breathed.
“It was in a lot of ways.I’m sure you have guessed, all of us, my boys and I, have our own demons.Some of us show it more than others.”
“I’ve gathered.I know Lance broods; Ethan seems to do the same.I have no idea about Grant, and Gage and I have rarely talked about his time in the Marines.I’m sure even Danny has his own demons with being in deep under cover for so long.If I had to guess with you, you handle it using humor.”
Tony clicked his tongue and gave her a wink.“You got it.I learned after my first tour with my previous unit, being the class clown helped to deal with the shit we saw.It was sure a lot cheaper than drinking myself into a stupor like a good number of Marines did.Are you curious about Gage’s time in?”
Stacey sighed, “As perverse as it sounds, a part of me does yes.Tonight, while you were working, I confided something with him that only Jerry, my parents, and my uncle knew.I don’t know, maybe...hell, I don’t know Tony.”
“You’re thinking that maybe since you shared, he would too.Kind of like a bond or something.”Tony concluded.
“I guess.It’s funny, until this mess started, I was never really curious about Gage’s time in the Marines.My dad served in Nam, as did my uncle.My grandpa fought in World War II.I know they all saw things, did things, and I only remember my grandpa talking about it in front of me once when I was about seven.I remember the look in his eyes.I’ve seen that look in my dad’s, Uncle Roy’s and once or twice in Ethan’s eyes.I have yet to see it in Gage’s.I guess a part of me is scared if I ever do.”
Tony moved to her and slid an arm around her shoulders.“Doll face, perhaps you should talk to Gage about this.Tell him what you’re thinking.I think if he is going to really open up to anyone it will be you.Just as you would with him.”
Stacey hugged him, then leaned up and kissed his cheek.“Thanks Tony.I think I can go back to bed now.I’ll see you in the morning.”
“See you in the morning and glad I could help.”Tony nodded, then turned and headed back inside.
Stacey drew in one last breath of early fall night air, then she headed back inside.She went upstairs and quietly reentered her bedroom.Silently, she slipped back into bed and instantly was pulled flush against a still sleeping Gage.Maybe Tony was right, she should talk to Gage.Yes, she would, but not until her own issues with this asshat were over.Gage needed to stay clear headed, and she doubted it would help talking about his time overseas.
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