“There are people I’ve let slip to the wayside. I think it’s just part of human nature. I’m not saying it’s good, but it is human.”
“I know leaving the Marines will mean I’m leaving behind people I care about, but I can’t stay in.”
Link understood her point. There wasn't any way he could leave the military, not yet. Eventually, he would leave the Army, and it would be hard. He was so used to being a part of the Army that it was in his blood. But when he was too old to perform his tasks, he would be a hindrance. He wouldn't put his buddies atrisk, or he hoped he wouldn't. He would probably go from a job as an operator to something less strenuous, and then he would fade away, slipping from service, hopefully living a life worth living.
“You went quiet. What are you thinking about?” Ansley asked.
He blew out a breath as he stared at the game on the TV, not really paying attention to the action. "I don't want to be one of those selfish pricks who don't know when to leave my unit. I mean, I'm not close yet, but I've seen too many guys who stay in and then put people at risk."
“Yeah, ego is a problem in all branches. I’ve always tried to be realistic about what I can and can’t do.”
Link snorted. "Ego can help push you in certain situations, but not realizing your limits is destructive. Like, I know I'm not twenty, but I'm also not twenty."
“How old are you?”
"Thirty-two. What about you?"
“Twenty-five. Just had a birthday right before being abducted."
“So I’m about eight years older than you. Is that going to be an issue?” Link didn’t really know what to think about their age difference. Maybe when she came out to see him, they would figure out they weren’t set up to be together.
“I don’t think it will be an issue. It’s not like you went out hunting for someone younger than you.”
“No. Meeting you was a real surprise.”
It sounded like she was laughing, but then she made a humming noise. He wanted to know what she was thinking. When she arrived, would she be okay with a hug?
“I can’t wait until I can see you.”
Ansley’s words warmed him. He wanted this to work out. Maybe they weren’t compatible, but he liked how they’d beentogether. “I know we said we would talk on Saturday, and I hadn’t planned on calling you, but I wanted to talk.”
"I'm glad you called. I wanted to talk to you, too."
"This week, I'll probably have to stay late at work a few times. It gets crazy, and we end up working late. So I don't know that I'll have time to chat during the week."
“I understand. Soon, I’ll be there.”
Link closed his eyes, thinking about having her in his arms. “I can’t wait.”
“Winding down to leaving is going to be hard, but knowing I’m headed to North Carolina to see you helps.”
“Leaving the military life is an adjustment.”
“I’m sure I’ll be happy the first few months, but then reality will hit. Hopefully I’ll have enough stuff to keep me busy.”
He’d seen a few guys get into trouble because they didn’t have enough to keep them busy after leaving the military. He hoped Ansley could make the adjustments necessary. “Well, I’ll be here to help.”
“Thank you. It means a lot to me.”
They talked about the game he was watching, then the call ended. He looked around, thinking his place needed a deep clean. Next weekend, he would take care of the task. He also needed to do work outside and get the back yard looking better. The weather cooperated a few days a month at this time of year, so they might be able to grill steaks and eat outside. A waft of rain blew against the windows, and he sighed. The weather may not cooperate, but they would have a good time. He would make sure of it.
Chapter 14
Pete talkedto so many people who’d known Ansley or said they knew her. It was hard to tell who actually knew her versus who just wanted their fifteen minutes of fame.
He'd wasted so much time and money, but he finally had sound bites. Most were worthless bits of meaningless information, but maybe he could make something of it. He needed to make her pay, but he kept coming up short.
The desire to punch half the people he talked to in the mouth almost overwhelmed him. The jerks lied when they said they knew stuff about her. They didn't know anything. What they told him was that she drank beer in high school, she didn't date certain guys who were interested in dating her, and she bought clothes that looked like theirs. The worst thing he could find was that she'd drunk too much one night in high school and thrown up in the principal's yard. Sure, that was bad, but not anything that would destroy her.
