"Well, what if I told you that I'm not really keen on wondering whether or not you're lying somewhere in the street, shot and bleeding."
"Fair enough. I can understand your apprehension with that. I have a dangerous job that I choose to do, not unlike police officers, or firemen. But what you choose to do—"
Demarco threw his hands up. "Here it comes."
"What?"
"It's a double-standard, Jack."
"No, it's not. It's different."
"HOW, Jack? Please tell me."
Jack stood and turned to Demarco. "I'll tell you how. Because I'm out there protecting people, putting my life before theirs because I swore an oath... an oath to protect and serve for the greater good. YOU are out there making money by getting people's rocks off. There'sisa difference, Demarco—a BIG difference. I know it may be hard to wait at home, wondering if your husband is gonna come home to you safe... but at least you know that he is well-trained, good at his job, and doing something noble. I find it much more difficult knowing that my husband is out there somewhere, role-playing with some perverted politician, only to return home and kiss me with the mouth that just sucked off some sleazy senator."
Jack was a man of few words and this eruption was the longest transmission Demarco had yet witnessed. He was a little dumbstruck, but chose to focus rather than letting his anger escalate. "You knew what you were getting into," he said. "You knew, Jack—from the first time you set eyes on me. I've been nothing but honest with you."
"I know... and I'm sorry I yelled. I'm not sure why I'm so emotional about it."
"I am. I've seen you have sex. You're very intense. I think there's connection there—a good one, mind you."
"I thought you were going to say something else."
"Oh, I am. Are you aware that—in your little diatribe there—you used the wordhusband."
Jack was caught off guard. "I did? No, I didn't."
"Yes, you did...twice."
His face went from heated confusion to a softer blush. The transition was abrupt... and endearing. "OK. Maybe I did."
"Are you really thinking that far ahead?"
"Aren't you, D? We're not exactly spring chickens. I saw the way you were looking at that kid on the street."
"Wait. What? Oh. How was I looking at him?
"Like you wanted to help him."
"I could definitely relate to his plight." Demarco reflected. "Been there, done that—back when I first came to DC. But wait a minute, Jack—I'm confused. Are you talking about having kids?"
Again, Jack started to speak, but was caught off guard. "Let's back up a minute," he said. "I think we're on the same map, just different roads."
"OK. You're driving, Jack. What would you like to say?"
He took a deep breath. "Remember when you asked me if I had any other family."
Demarco nodded.
"Well, there is someone else... her name is Rachel."
"Well, I did not seethiscoming. Do you have a wife, Jack? A child?"
"No, NO," Jack said "Not that. She's almost old enough to be my mother. Actually, sheismy mother, as far as I'm concerned."
"Thank the Baby Jesus! GOD—Jack, you scared me. Honey, I deal with duplicitous jerks on a regular basis... I seriously thought that you were about to rip your mask off."
Jack was laughing now—the chuckles bubbling—more so than Demarco had ever seen. "I'm sorry, D. I am so sorry. I know it's not funny... but your face. Oh, my God—priceless."
