Footage of Jamie stopping the fire engine and executing Declan was on constant replay across dozens and dozens of news streams. All manner of rumors had run amok for days until Nazari, with permission from the president, had issued a statement on behalf of Jamie and the Callahan family, confirming his identity in the face of obvious evidence.
Richard had yet to make a statement beyond confirming that he’d known about Jamie’s classified identity and was proud of his son. Whether out of courtesy for Jamie’s fragile state of mind or in deference to his lawyers who were still combing through what they could legally disclose, Jamie didn’t care. He knew this reprieve was only temporary. Eventually, his father would use Jamie’s status to bolster his campaign. At the moment, Jamie could honestly give a fuck what his father decided to do.
Your mother will keep him in line,Katie said into Jamie’s mind from where she walked beside him on his right.
Maybe,Jamie conceded after a moment.
He didn’t doubt his mother would fight with his father about how best to move forward out of this mess that didn’t involve stepping all over Jamie to do so. Whether or not his father would listen was a different story entirely.
It’s your mother. My money would be on her.
Aren’t you supposed to not be using your telepathy? Wasn’t that Gracie’s order so you could heal?
I’d stop for anyone else but you.
Katie’s concern didn’t show on her face, but the fact she was still shadowing his thoughts told Jamie that Katie was still worried about his mental state. His entire team hadn’t left him alone for longer than a second, even while he was taking a piss. At the moment, his parents were behind him, but his team walked around him, a buffer between Jamie and the world that he both appreciated and loathed. On one hand, he was grateful for their support. On the other, he just wanted time alone to cry in peace.
The road ahead split in two, with everyone veering right. Their group of mourners, outside of his team and family, consisted of dignitaries from the military and federal agencies who’d had people guarding the White House during the attack.
Theirs wasn’t the only funeral happening in Arlington today, but it was the only funeral Jamie was making an appearance at. The gravesite came into view some minutes later, half the folding chairs already filled with mourners while still others chose to stand. Jamie’s group moved off the road and stepped onto the grass, mindful of the dead they walked over.
Many of the people who had already arrived were in full dress uniform, the majority of them sporting Strike Force’s coloring. The gray and black was a contrast to the Marine Corps’ coloring and Annabelle’s sole Air Force service uniform. Of his team, only Alexei wore the gray and black uniform of Strike Force, his gray beret shadowing his pale face on the right. Sean walked beside Alexei, the only one in the team to wear a suit, as he wasn’t military in the traditional sense.
The group made it to the gravesite, shade from a nearby oak tree dimming the sunlight. Quiet voices filled the air as those newly arriving began to salute or shake hands with those already there. Katie stepped away from Jamie to greet Matthew, but her thoughts were never far from his own. The rest of his team took turns greeting people and keeping Jamie company as the large group came together. With everyone busy trying to find their place amongst the remaining empty chairs reserved for VIPs, Jamie missed Nazari’s arrival.
“A moment, if you will, Captain Callahan.”
The director’s familiar voice drew Jamie out of his thoughts and he craned his head around. Nazari stood at the edge of the large group, brown eyes trained on Jamie. His team stepped aside, giving Jamie room to pass by them. He slipped free of the crowd, coming to stand before Nazari. The director was in his Army uniform, chest bristling with ribbons and medals and braid, three gold stars glittering on his collar on either side of his neck. Jamie snapped off a sharp salute in greeting, which Nazari returned.
“Walk with me,” Nazari said.
Jamie nodded and followed the director to the old oak tree, the branches of which extended over the gravesite. It wasn’t too far away, but just far enough to give them the illusion of privacy. Jamie had no doubt that his team wouldn’t let anyone disturb them.
“I’m glad to see you looking better,” Nazari said.
Jamie absently scratched at his jaw. He’d shaved that morning, but only after his mother had reminded him to. “Yes, sir.”
“I’ve signed off on Dr. Elizabeth O’Malley handling your care. Your first appointment will be early next month.”
“Do I get a choice, sir?”
“No.” Nazari’s voice was firm but kind, and Jamie shifted his gaze from the far distance to Nazari’s face. “Neither you nor your team will be allowed to ignore the appointments being scheduled. That is nonnegotiable if you want to return to the field, Callahan.”
It was the first real confirmation Jamie had received on his status. In all honesty, Jamie had no idea what was happening outside the swirl of heavy emotion Katie couldn’t keep at bay. His thoughts were another matter entirely, and it was thanks to her that he could focus today, if only for a little while.
“You’ve benched us,” Jamie said.
“With good reason.”
Jamie flinched, wanting to run from the words, but running wouldn’t change a damn thing.
“The president is asking for a statement from you. I’ve explained you’re unavailable,” Nazari said.
“Thank you, sir.”
“With what is coming to light regarding the relationships within Alpha Team while you were in command, there will be an investigation into your conduct as an officer. I can’t sweep that away, nor would I, if given the option.”
Jamie swallowed tightly, feeling his heart clench in his chest. “I understand, sir.”
