Colin huffed out a sigh. “Norm, I want a two-week vacation. I want to take Josh to Ireland.”
Clayton leaned back in his chair and gazed at Colin, eyebrows lifted as if requesting an explanation.
“Norm, he hasn’t had any extended leave since he was hurt.” His eyes dropped, and his expression darkened. “He’s been through so much, Norm. He was hurt so badly. And god, he never once complained. Not once. The headaches. The dizzy spells. Memory lapses. Fatigue. Nausea. All of it. He just took it with this quiet…” Colin fumbled for a word, “…grace.” He shuddered. “It broke my heart. I want to make it up to him.” He looked up at his superior. “D’you think Esther will…”
“Stop,” Clayton interrupted. He leaned forward, lifting his hand. “Stop right there. When do you want to leave?”
“Not for a month or even two. David and Nate are going with us, and weallhave to arrange work schedules.”
“Ok. Let me know the exact schedule ASAP. I’m sure Esther will approve it, Colin, and I think it’s a great idea. I wish I could go with you. You have family there?”
“Family who I’m very close to. I spent every summer in Ireland for years. Took Josh there on our honeymoon. He loves it so much! Jesus, Norm, this means everything to me. And listen,” Colin added, leaning forward, “I won’t leave you stuck with a ton of cases. I’ll either plead them out or set up a continuance.”
“We’ll work it out, Colin.”
“I’ll get with Esther as soon as she gets back.”
“Lunch with the city council!” Clayton crowed. “Impressive!”
“He’s such a twat!” Colin laughed, shaking his head as he backed toward the door.
“Most of themare,” Clayton replied, grinning.
* * *
Esther Jackson approvedColin’s request for a two-week hiatus, and Colin’s “Tour of Ireland” project took on a whole new life.
Over lunch later that week, Nate asked Joshua: “Do you know what he’s got planned?”
“He won’t tell meanything,” Joshua replied. “After dinner every night, he sits in his study for at least an hour, pouring over maps and peering at his computer. But when I ask him about the trip, he says: ‘You have to wait’ with this self-satisfied smirk on his face.”
“Annoying!”
Joshua puffed out a short laugh. “To say the least, but you guys are invited to dinner on Saturday to discuss the trip, so maybe he’ll reveal the details then.”
“Either that, or we hold him down and force it out of him!”
“Somehow, I can’t see that being a winning strategy.”
On Saturday morning, Colin called their favorite Thai restaurant and put in a huge order that he arranged to pick up later that day. “You just set the table,” he told Joshua. “I’ll take care of everything else.”
“Honey, what thehellis going on?”
“You have to wait.”
Joshua eyed his husband with suspicion. “You’re plotting. I can tell when you’re plotting from the smug, pleased-with-yourself look on your face.”
“You’re right. But you have to wait.”
“Lord god,” Joshua moaned.
“David and Nate will be here at six for dinner. Then, after we eat, we’ll have our trip to Ireland meeting where all will be revealed.” He hesitated and then grimaced. “Well, maybe notall,but at least…,” again he paused, “…some.”
“I can’t know itall?”
“You have to wait.”
At the dinner table that evening, Nate bombarded Colin with a barrage of questions, none of which Colin would answer. “You have to wait, Natey-baby.”
