Gretchen sniffed. “You asked me if we could take them with us. You said we just needed to have the men take the walls and move them and then they could put in new ones.”
“I can see you doing that,” Cliff said.
“It was hard. But I think the most difficult thing was being told I had to move. I was a kid, I know that, but it felt like I never had a choice. All I want is the ability to make the decisions about my life, myself.”
Gretchen nodded. “I’ll talk to your father.”
“Thank you,” Dade said, and leaned back on the sofa. He pulled up his legs and cocooned himself in the blanket. It wasn’t long before his breathing evened out. After a few minutes, Dade snapped awake. “Sorry.”
“Go rest a while,” Gretchen said. “You need to rest to feel better.”
“Thanks, Mom.” He yawned broadly and got up, heading to his bedroom.
“I should go. I need to talk to Thomas.” She stood, and Cliff saw her to the door. “Watch over him. He always works himself as far as he can.”
“I will,” Cliff promised, and then closed the door behind her. Once the apartment was quiet, he checked on Dade, who rolled over as soon as he came in. “Just relax and rest. I’ll get you upbefore the trick-or-treaters.” He leaned over the bed and kissed him on the forehead.
“Trick ortreat!” a child in a witch costume said as she approached where he and Dade sat on the lawn out front with the other tenants. He put candy in her plush squishy container. “Thank you,” she cried as she hurried away to her waiting parents.
“I love this. The kids are always too cute.” He was still in the blanket, but his eyes were brighter and he seemed much more rested. More kids arrived, and they said hello to Dade before getting their candy.
“Thank you, Mr. Saracina,” one called as he hurried away.
“I’ll never get used to that. I always expect my father to be around when I hear it.” He handed out some candy to the next group and then sat back as things got quiet for a few minutes.
“Speaking of…?”
Dade shrugged. “Mom messaged that she talked to him, and she said he seemed to understand. But she also added that sometimes she has no idea what goes on in ‘that man’s head.’” He made air quotes as more kids approached. “I usually dress up and stuff to do this, but I just don’t feel like it today.”
“Hey, you’re up and feeling better. That’s what matters.” Cliff set the candy bowl on the small table next to his chair. “I was a little worried.”
“Sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. Just rest and feel better. And enjoy the trick-or-treaters.” Once this was over, he intended to get Dade inside with some hot tea and maybe some cuddling on the sofa.
“I’m already better.” Dade smiled, and his phone dinged. He picked it up and growled. Then he passed the phone to Cliff.
“What’s this all about?” Cliff asked as he read theI’m livid with your fathermessage from Gretchen. “What is she angry about?”
Dade took back the phone and began texting. His phone dinged again. As Dade texted, Cliff received a message from his colonel requesting a call. He passed out some more candy, then handed the bowl to Dade and went inside.
“What can I do for you, sir?”
His words were met with throat-clearing. “You know you could have come to me.”
Cliff felt a chill up his spine. “About what, sir?”
“A transfer request?”
“Excuse me? Whose?” he retorted. This was so confusing.
“Yours.”
Cliff gaped. “Sir, I never initiated such a request. I am very happy where I am, and I like what I’m doing. You have been good to work with, and I have no complaints, so why would I do such a thing?”
“I received a call from a former colleague who told me that the transfer request for my XO was being processed. It seemed strange to him.”
“I didn’t request it, but I think I know who did. Is it possible to have the request canceled?” Cliff asked. “This is not my doing, sir. But I think I know who is behind it.” He let the words hang in the air.
