“She wouldn’t have suggested it if she didn’t.”
Good. He’d been thinking about how he could force Kurt out into the open, get him to show his hand, but so far all of his ideas would put Jordan or Gretchen in danger.
Sam parked at the airport. A plane was coming into landing, but already parked on the tarmac near the terminal was a huge military cargo plane. Arthur’s muscles tightened at the reminder of his service, and he exhaled. All of that was in his past now. Retribution Bay was a far better place for him to be. This was his future.
They walked into the terminal and headed towards the gate. The cargo plane outside the building was being unloaded, and a few military personnel were inside talking to terminal staff.
A familiar figure caught his attention.
Arthur’s footsteps slowed, and his entire posture straightened until he felt as if he had a pole running through him. It was impossible to stop the instinctual check of his appearance, but the sight of his leg and his casual attire made him nauseous. The one day when he’d been feeling his best, and he had to run into him. Just his luck.
Sam turned around. “You coming?”
Arthur said nothing, staring at the tall man he’d spent his life trying to impress, the man who’d made his life miserable. Sam followed his gaze and swore. “We can avoid him.”
The urge was so strong, he took a couple of steps in the opposite direction before he stopped himself. “No. I’ve got things to say.”
“The major won’t give you any time of day,” Sam said.
“Yeah, he will.” The major spoke to the person who must be the town’s delegate for the army. With him was a lieutenant colonel. He wouldn’t dismiss his son in front of a senior officer.
But what did he want to say to his father?
Should he ask him why he’d been such a prick? Why Arthur had never been good enough for him? Did he care about the answer anymore?
His lips twitched as he realised the answer.
No, he didn’t. He had friends who supported him, and a woman and her child whom he loved. He didn’t need anything else.
The town’s delegate walked away. Before Arthur figured out what he was going to say, he called, “Major!”
His father and the lieutenant colonel looked over. His father’s nostrils flared in displeasure and Arthur smiled. He nodded to the other man. “Lieutenant Colonel.”
“Arthur. I was sorry to hear about the incident.” He nodded to Arthur’s leg. “You seem to be getting around all right.”
“Yes, thank you, sir. It was difficult at first.”
“I’m disappointed you chose a medical discharge,” the lieutenant colonel continued. “You were one of our best.”
Surprise raised Arthur’s eyebrows. He’d never considered himself that good. The major tried to speak, but Arthur spoke over him. “Actually, the major told me I would be a hindrance, and the only honourable thing to do was to walk away.”
The man’s lips pinched. “Did he? Well, you’re welcome back any time.”
“Thank you, sir. I’m really enjoying civilian life. I’ve reconnected with my sister, who I lost touch with after Father didn’t see to her care, I’ve caught up with some mates—” he gestured to Sam who stood back. “And I’ve met an amazing woman who has a wonderful ten-year-old son.”
His father’s face was bright red and a vein in his temple pulsed.
“Sounds like you’ve fallen on your feet, so to speak,” the lieutenant colonel said. “Congratulations.”
Arthur nodded as the warmth of realisation filled him. His life was better now, more fulfilling, more enjoyable than the army had ever been. “I wanted to thank my father for being an absolute asshole after my injury.” He grinned and gave a half salute, which would irritate his father. “Because if he hadn’t been, I wouldn’t be the happiest I’ve been in my life.” He walked away. Sam fell into step with him and let out a low belly laugh.
“Perfect! And his commanding officer heard it.”
“I know.” Arthur smiled. “Let’s go find Ed and Tess.”
He was done with the army.
Gretchen checked the time again. Still another few hours before school finished. She wanted to wait outside for Jordan, unable to get rid of the unease that had been tickling her skin all day. No, she’d seem like an over eager mother and Jordan would be upset.
