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Rockville, Maryland
March 9, 2005
Amanda's dreams had been pleasant, if uneventful, until the ringing of the telephone intruded and sent them scattering. She struggled awake, hearing Lee's grumbling, sleepy voice beside her as he reached out from the covers to grab up the receiver before the sound woke the kids.
"H'llo," he mumbled without lifting his head off the pillow.
Amanda squinted at the clock. 4:00 a.m. Who could possibly be calling this early? Then she felt Lee tense and sit up. Immediately alarm bells went off in her head, her mind calling up all the awful scenarios it could be. Jenny and Matt were asleep in their rooms, but Phillip? Jamie? The little ones?
"Okay, okay," Lee said softly, "try and calm down." His voice was attempting to soothe whomever was on the other end of the line. "Tell me what happened."
There was a pause and Amanda sat clutching her pillow, dying to know who Lee was talking to, but not wanting to interrupt. After a few moments, he flicked on the small reading lamp, grabbing up a pen and paper as he did so. Amanda could see his face now and noticed the telltale working of her husband's jawline... a sure sign he was upset. Just as she was about ready to grab the phone from him to find out who was there, he closed his eyes and breathed out a heavy sigh. He ran a hand through his disheveled hair.
"That's okay, Camille," he finally murmured softly. "Tell me where." He began scratching down some notes on the paper.
Amanda knew at once that her children and grandchildren were not the problem. Camille was Colonel Stetson's live-in housekeeper, so whatever the problem was, it concerned Lee's uncle. She felt a guilty sense of relief, that was replaced quickly by concern for the elderly man.
"All right, Camille," Lee continued, "we'll come up a little later this morning. Yeah... okay." He paused and closed his eyes again. "I know he did," he said quietly and the pain in his voice tore at Amanda's heart. She lay a hand on Lee's shoulder. He covered it with his own and gave her a grateful smile. "Yeah, we will. We'll see you later. You take care of yourself. Bye, Camille... and thank you."
He hung up the phone slowly then sat there with it in his lap. Amanda scooted over to sit closer to him, her arm moving to encircle his waist.
"Lee?" she asked softly, gently probing.
She felt the deep breath he took and slowly exhaled before he faced her again. "It's the Colonel," he finally whispered. "Camille said he had a heart attack an hour or so ago." He squeezed her hand. "He's gone."
Washington, D.C.
March 14, 2005
Lee watched in respectful silence as the honor guard smartly folded the flag that had draped the coffin. It was almost over and he was glad. He'd managed to get through the service without giving in to the overload of emotions he was experiencing. He knew the last thing his uncle would want was a lot of people weeping and wailing and gushing about him. He wouldn't expect that from anyone, least of all his nephew.
Instead, while the minister had droned on, Lee let his gaze wander over the faces of the people standing solemnly around the grave. There was a bigger crowd than he would've expected, a mixture of civilians and military personnel in dress uniform. He recognized several of the Colonel's long time friends. They were old men who, like his uncle, had spent their lives serving their country. Their most frequent duty these days was coming to pay their respects as yet another comrade slipped from their aging ranks.
There were also plenty of other people here -- people who had come out of love and respect for Lee himself. Across from him he could see Murphy and Sherry standing silently together. Beside them, Andy waited quietly, hat in hand. Cait had stayed home with the children, but he'd brought his mother with him. Lee felt the threat of tears at the sight of his small, elderly aunt. He knew she'd insisted on coming, even though he'd assured her it wasn't necessary. Katie Travis could be as stubborn as a mule when she set her mind on something and Lee knew she very much wanted to be here for him.
Next to Katie was Robert McCall, still as strong a presence at 70 as he'd been when Lee had first met him. Rose Michaels stood beside him, her arm laced through his. They'd been brother and sister-in-law first, then dear friends and finally, for the last ten years, loving companions. Lee was always glad to see his old friends and was grateful they'd both made the trip.
Lee had been pleased, if slightly surprised, to see Buddy Capatosa there next to Rose. It had been nearly ten years since they'd found their long lost cousin. In that time Buddy had become a welcomed and loved member of the Michaels clan, though his naturally quiet manner kept him a little reserved around them. Lee was honored that his cousin had made the effort to come out from Boston.
Lee's gaze moved to the line of people on his side of the bier. There was Amanda, of course, beside him. She was his source of strength and had been from the first day he'd met her, although he'd stupidly fought against what his own heart was telling him. He felt her hand on his arm, offering silent support and he once more thanked God and whatever forces governed his fate that she'd had the love and patience to put up with him -- to wait for him to realize how much he loved her. He could see the tears running down her cheeks as she grieved for Charles Stetson. Lee knew his wife and his uncle had formed their own special bond, one that Amanda would sorely miss. He moved his arm from her grasp and draped it around her shoulders. She leaned into him, their roles reversing as she let him support her now. Lee kissed the top of her head, then let his chin rest there. He could see beyond Amanda to where the rest of their family waited for the ceremony to end.
Jamie was next to his mother. On his right were Phillip and Michelle. Six year old Joey stood patiently in front of his father. Skip hovered near Michelle. Melanie had stayed at the house minding their four-year old twin granddaughters. Lee couldn't keep back a small smile, in spite of the grim occasion. Never in his life would he have expected that he and Skip would share grandchildren.
On Lee's left were his own children. Jenny stood beside him. Nearly sixteen now, she was growing into a beautiful young woman. Her blue eyes were bright with tears for the man who'd been like a grandfather to her -- really the only grandfather either of his kids had known. Fourteen year old Matt was to Jenny's left. He was crying as well, though he was pretending not to. It hurt to see his children grieving so and Lee wished there was a way to spare them this kind of pain.
Next to Matt and Jenny, were William and Jeannie Melrose. Billy had been Lee's section chief at the Agency, but more than that, he'd been Lee's good friend for many years. Retired now, and living in Connecticut, the couple had made a special effort to be here and Lee appreciated the gesture more than he could express.
Lee's attention snapped back as a soldier with an expressionless face stepped up, the folded flag in his hands. Lee reached out wordlessly to take the standard from him. He held it gingerly, the stiff fabric rough under his fingers. From atop a small rise nearby, a lone bugler played Taps and the army rifle squad lifted their guns and fired simultaneously in a loud salute. It was over.
Rockville, Maryland
March 14, 2005
The house in Rockville was filled with people. The atmosphere was subdued, though not somber. The Colonel had been an old man who'd lived a full life, and his death, while sad, had not come totally unexpected. Amanda, Melanie and Sherry kept busy making sure the table was full of good things to eat, while everyone else milled about visiting among themselves. The old soldiers came only to pay their respects to Lee. Their departure left it mainly a gathering of the Michaels clan.
Lee wasn't feeling very talkative. He made polite conversation with his family for a time, but eventually wandered out onto the patio to sit staring at the fluffy spring clouds that wafted by in the breeze. It was a beautiful day -- too beautiful to have to deal with death.
"Now what are you doing out here by your lonesome?"
Katie Travis pull up a chair beside him. He greeted her with a warm smile.
"Just enjoying the day," he murmured.
"It's a lovely one, isn't it?" Katie chuckled. "Course, my old bones are used to the desert heat."
They fell silent. Lee was comfortable enough with his aunt that he didn't feel compelled to talk if he didn't feel like it. Katie would wait until he was ready. The breeze picked up a bit and caused the wind chimes to clink quietly. Lee's eyes rested upon them. Jenny had made the chimes about a year ago. She'd collected the sea shells on a trip to the beach and had cleaned and polished them with loving care. The wind moved them again and their sound made Lee wonder where time went. He could remember clearly the first time they'd taken Jenny to the beach. She was just a toddler and had been fascinated with the tide pools and the tiny creatures that inhabited them.
He glanced at Aunt Katie. She was nearly 80, but he recalled how she'd looked to a young boy -- how vibrant and strong she'd been. Not a thing like this frail little old woman beside him now, and he was suddenly afraid of the day she would be gone too.
"I'm glad you came," he spoke up abruptly.
That's all he said. He couldn't say the words... that he was afraid there might not be another time. But he didn't have to. Katie knew what he was thinking. Like her mother before her, she had the knack of nearly always knowing what the people she loved were feeling.
"I've still got a few good years left in me. Never fear, my boy."
Lee smiled sheepishly. "I didn't mean..."
"Yes you did," she insisted with a grin, "and I don't blame you. I am an old woman. There's no denying that."
"But you don't act old," Lee countered reasonably.
Katie laughed. "Maybe not. People always did tell me I never acted my age." She paused and grew a little more serious. "Be that as it may, I guess the thought of meeting your maker can make a person reflect a lot. That's why I wanted to come today."
"What do you mean?" Lee gave his aunt a puzzled look.
Katie's face grew pensive. "I had a few things I needed to settle for myself. I'm afraid none of us had a very charitable opinion of your uncle, Lee."
Lee sat up a little straighter. He knew most of his family's views about Charles Stetson were probably colored by his own accounts of life with his uncle.
"Aunt Katie, I never thought..."
Katie clasped his hand, stopping him. "Now, Lee... it wasn't you. It was our own doing. I think it was a way to ease some of our own guilt at not stepping in sooner when your mother died. And Colonel Stetson wasn't the warmest of people on the outside, so he made it easy for us to say he took the matter out of our hands... gave us no other choice."
Lee gave a short laugh. "Knowing the Colonel, that's probably pretty accurate." He squeezed his aunt's hand. "Besides, that was so long ago... does any of it really matter?"
Katie shrugged. "Maybe not. Mother and Dad have been gone a long time... Jake and Beth too." She sighed. "I can only speak for myself. The last few years I've had this feeling... like we never gave Charles what he was really due."
"So you came out here to..."
"To at least pay my respects." Katie's eyes grew far away. "To at least do him the honor of acknowledging his passing."
Lee regarded his aunt with loving admiration. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. "Anybody ever tell you what a classy lady you are?"
She actually blushed, making Lee laugh out loud.
"Oh, you boys."
He leaned forward conspiratorially. "In case nobody's told you," he began in an exaggerated whisper, "I'm turning 55 this year. I'll be an official senior citizen."
Katie chuckled merrily. "I guess that makes me Grandma Moses."
Annapolis, Maryland
March 18, 2005
Lee entered his uncle's room with a great amount of trepidation. In all the years he lived with Colonel Charles Stetson, he'd never gone into the man's room without express permission, and then it was only to finish a chore or fetch something important. As a child, his uncle's room had seemed like a forbidden domain. He'd been curious about what might have been in the closets and drawers, but it had never entered his mind to intrude into the man's privacy and rummage through his things.
That's just what he had to do now. Though the Colonel was gone, his presence still loomed large in the house and even larger in the master bedroom. That was the kind of person Charles Stetson had been in life. Now, Lee felt 8 years old again, with his uncle still nearby, hovering over him and demanding an accounting.
He gave himself a mental shake and walked inside. The room was sparse and masculine, the furniture dark wood. Years of traveling the globe had kept the Colonel spartan with keepsakes and decorations. The wall bore a few commendations and photos from his years of military service. There was a decorative map of the South Pacific over the bed. Other than that, the walls were bare.
The tallboy next to the bed was a bit more personalized. A brush and comb were set out neatly alongside a small box with rows of tie bars and cuff links. There were a few other toiletry items, but what caught Lee's attention was the small double frame sitting near the back. He picked it up carefully and studied the two photos.
One side held an old black and white of his parents and himself. It was one he'd never seen. He appeared about two years old and was being held in his father's arm as he smiled at the camera. His father's other arm held his wife close. They both seemed very happy.
The other picture in the frame was much more recent and it brought a smile to Lee's face. It was the last family photo he and Amanda had taken with the kids. Jenny was about 13 and Matt was probably 11. Had it been nearly three years since Amanda had dragged him down to the photographer? He hated that kind of thing and had always raised a fuss about doing it. He made a silent promise never to give her a hard time about it again.
He breathed out a sigh and closed the frame. He gathered the boxes he'd brought with him and began putting things away. He didn't think this would take long. The clothes he planned on donating to charity. Any personal belongings -- and he didn't think there would be many -- he would take back home and sort through later. Amanda and Camille were downstairs, packing away the kitchen. He could hear them occasionally and he took comfort in just knowing Amanda was nearby.
He worked quickly. If there was one thing his uncle had taught him, it was how to do a job efficiently. Dawdling had never been tolerated. The dresser was emptied in a few minutes and he started on the closet.
He pulled out the hanging suits and shirts and laid them in a box. The dress uniform he set aside. He would figure out what to do with it later. Next came the shoes, belts and ties. The only things left in the closet now were some unidentified boxes.
He hauled them out and sat down on the floor, pulling the first one over. It was filled with books, mostly manuals. As Lee flipped through them, he could tell they were of a military nature. A lot of technical stuff, though none of it appeared classified. He dumped them back in the box and set it aside.
The next one was also books, but these were obviously for entertainment. There were hardbacks and paperbacks. He found an entire set of Tom Clancy, which didn't surprise him, but also Sherlock Holmes, which did. He realized there was so much about Charles Stetson he didn't know. He shoved that box out of the way. It would go with the clothes to the Veteran's Hospital.
There were a few other cartons filled with papers and business things: tax papers, bank books, some stock certificates. He would give this one to his lawyer to sort out. Lee really had no interest in the value of his uncle's estate. He knew the Colonel had lived a comfortable life. That was all that had mattered.
When he opened the last box, Lee couldn't have been more surprised. He'd never envisioned his uncle as either a pack rat or a sentimentalist. But here he found a collection of mementos he had no idea existed. He soon lost himself in letters to and from his father, school awards and achievements, photos of the Stetson brothers at various ages. He paused and studied one in particular. It was Charles in uniform, looking fresh out of boot camp. Beside him Matthew stood, his face showing the obvious pride he had in his big brother. Lee couldn't help but wonder how different his relationship with his uncle would have been if his father had been alive. The two men had been so close. Lee knew that when Matthew died, a part of Charles had died along with him. That seemed to be the part that allowed him to express his feelings and show a frightened four year old that there was still someone who loved him.
Lee pushed that thought aside. It belonged in the past. He had too much to do in the present to lose himself in regrets.
He pulled out an old scrapbook and found it contained snippets of his father's life, from his birth certificate, to report cards, to his high school diploma. There were several snapshots of Jenny -- even one where she was obviously pregnant. It gave Lee the weirdest feeling to see this young girl and know she was carrying his life inside of her.
As he flipped the last page, that feeling turned to grief. Here he found a clipping from a Tokyo newspaper with a photo of a smashed old model car. His Japanese was sketchy at best, but he didn't need to be fluent to know what this was. It was a journalistic account of the accident that had taken his parents from him. A second clipping was short and in English. It must've come from a different newspaper. It was an obituary for Matthew and Jennifer Stetson. It listed his father's military service record and that the couple was survived by their four year old son. Lee sighed heavily and shut the book.
He leaned his head against the bed and closed his eyes. His memories of those first few days after his parents' death were naturally vague. He'd been so young and it was so long ago. But he did remember one day vividly. It was a day that changed his life forever.
Tokyo, Japan
September 21, 1954
He was scared, but he didn't know who to talk to. Keiko had been busy all morning, packing things away, stripping the sheets off the beds, but not making them up again, taking the pictures off the wall, putting all his toys in big boxes with lids. He stayed out of her way, but at lunch time she did come over and give him some warm rice and dried fish. She didn't say anything to him, which was strange. They were usually great friends, each chattering away in their own tongue. They hadn't needed interpreters; they just understood each other.
Today was different than any other day, however. And it was more than just the tears in Keiko's eyes and the empty feel to their house. Mommy and Daddy hadn't been home for three nights now. Sometimes they were gone when he woke up in the morning, but they were always there the next night to tuck him in and read him a story. Sometimes Daddy was gone for longer, but Mommy never went with him during those times. He'd tried to ask Keiko about it, but she suddenly couldn't understand him anymore and had just waved him away to go play.
Not that there was much he could play with anymore. He'd held onto Paddington, refusing to let Keiko put him in that box. She'd relented and even smiled at him. That made him feel a little better. So he sat on the edge of the bare mattress in his parents' room, hugged his bear and waited... waited for somebody to come tell him what was going on.
He heard the bell ring and sat up straight. It wouldn't be Mommy or Daddy. They would've just come in. He wondered if it might be Robert. He hadn't seen his friend since they'd come to Japan and he missed him. He heard Keiko answer the door and talk to someone. A man's voice answered in flawless Japanese.
Curious, he got up and walked to the doorway. He knew the man standing there. It was Uncacharles. He was familiar, but not really a friend... not like Robert was. His Paddington Man laughed a lot and gave him piggy-back rides and told him scary stories that weren't too scary for bedtime. Uncacharles mostly talked to Daddy and Mommy and almost never said anything to Lee. He wondered what the man was doing here now.
His uncle spotted him and beckoned him over. Lee swallowed hard, but did as he was told. Uncacharles loomed tall and foreboding. His face was very serious.
"You'll be living with me from now on."
That was all he said before he started talking to Keiko again. Lee wanted to interrupt, but he knew that wasn't polite. He wanted to ask where Mommy and Daddy were. He wanted to know if they would be coming to live with Uncacharles too.
None of these things seemed to matter to the big, tall man. He finally finished talking to Keiko and held out his hand. Lee knew instinctively that meant he was to take it. He did so, but holding his uncle's hand wasn't at all comforting like holding Daddy's was. They started toward the door. Lee didn't want to go. He wasn't sure if he left that Mommy and Daddy would know where he was. He glanced back at Keiko and she gave him an encouraging smile. That restored some of his courage. Keiko would know where he was. She could tell his parents and then they would come get him.
They suddenly stopped and his uncle reached down and grabbed Paddington. Lee was startled enough to let go. Uncacharles handed the bear over to Keiko.
"We better leave this too," his deep voice said in a tone that left no room for argument. "It would only get lost in transport."
Lee didn't know what that meant, but he watched in dismay as Keiko took Paddington and disappeared into the bedroom. He knew she would be putting his friend into that big box and he didn't want that. He wanted his bear with him. But already Uncacharles was pulling on his arm.
Lee planted his feet. Too much was happening too fast. When his uncle felt the resistance, he turned around startled.
"I want my bear."
Uncacharles' face grew stern. "I told you, Lee, we can't take it with us. Now come along."
Lee felt himself tugged forward, farther away from his pal. He was too confused and too frightened. He felt the tears coming and couldn't stop them.
"I want Paddington," he insisted tearfully as he was hurried along.
The man stopped and gave him a scrutinizing look. After a time, he spoke in a voice that held no room for argument.
"We can't have tears, Lee. Crying is for babies. You have to be a man now and men don't cry."
He resumed his brisk pace and Lee automatically followed, doing his best to keep his tears from rolling down his cheeks. His uncle was going a bit too fast for his small legs, but he didn't complain. He merely stumbled along. He had the fearful impression that if he didn't go as quickly as he could, he would be left behind. The door to the house slid shut. Lee would never go back there again.
Annapolis, Maryland
March 18, 2005
Lee swiped a self-conscious hand at the errant tear that slipped from his eye. He was glad no one else was in the room. He was a little embarrassed that even after fifty years the memory of that day could still upset him.
Getting a hold on his emotions, he set about finishing his task. He sorted through more photos and letters. At the bottom of the box, he found another leather bound scrapbook. Thinking it was more about his father, Lee opened it up in anticipation. What he found caused him to gasp in surprise and wonder.
This one was his life. There were fewer photos than in the other book, but the Colonel hadn't spent a lot of time taking snapshots. He did find one that brought a grin to his face. Staring at him were two happy twelve year olds hanging from a jungle gym. Lee recognized himself, his close-cropped hair hard to mistake. The mischievous grin and black tousled hair on the child next to him could only belong to Mike Reilly, the one friend his own age he'd made in his many travels from base to base. Lee smiled at the memory, then grew puzzled. The photo was taken by Mike's mother. Lee wondered how the Colonel had gotten a copy of it.
The rest of the book was filled with sports achievements, some letters Lee had written from college and his early days at the Agency, a wedding photo of Lee and Amanda, and a lot of different pictures of the kids. Lee smiled at the baby pictures of Jenny and Matt. He hadn't fully realized until this moment, just how much his uncle must have loved his great niece and nephew.
Lee sighed again. That had been the problem between the two Stetson men their whole lives. Neither ever knew what the other had been thinking or feeling. This inability to communicate had led to many misunderstandings and a lot of time wasted in wounded pride and bitterness. There had been a few times they'd managed to close the gap just a bit, but never entirely. There had always been a barrier between them neither knew how to get around.
He flipped to the last page in the scrapbook. Taped to the back cover was a yellowed envelope. Lee slid his finger under the brittle seal. It opened easily and he pulled out the sole contents -- a micro-cassette. He frowned at his find, wondering what was on it and why it would be here in this book of memories. His uncle had never struck him as the type to make flowery speeches, especially in his younger days. And this small tape was definitely not a modern variety. It reminded him of some of the equipment they were using when he first joined the Agency.
Curious, he started rummaging through the box for something to play it on. He found nothing there. Determined, he widened his search to include the rest of the room, then moved out into the hall and downstairs in the den. He was finally rewarded by coming across the answering machine. Fortunately it was a model that still used a tape instead of a computer chip. He slipped the cassette in and turned up the volume.
He'd expected to hear the Colonel's voice -- perhaps with some kind of message for posterity. What he heard was several voice's -- men's voices. They were hard to make out at first and Lee attributed it to the age of the tape. He strained, trying to make sense of it, then suddenly the voices became clearer. Lee recognized his uncle, sounding much younger, but still that same authoritative tone Lee knew so well. There was another man there Lee didn't know, and then... His brows shot up. He knew that third voice as well as he knew anyone's. Overcoming his initial surprise, he settled into the big leather chair to listen.
As the conversation played out, Lee's reactions changed from surprise to shock to outrage. When the tape ended, he slammed his fist down on the polished desk top. He wasn't sure what he could do at this point in time, but he had to do something... he had to know more about the events he'd just uncovered.
He sat there for a time, not sure how to vent the anger he felt. He couldn't even begin to put what he felt into words. If only there was something... someone he could talk to. And then it occurred to him. He glanced at the calendar to double check his dates. He was right. There was still time. He quickly rewound the tape and popped it out of the machine. To be sure he could play it again, he bent down and unplugged the machine, wrapped the cord around it and tucked it under his arm. He marched out of the den, paused at the kitchen briefly to tell Amanda he'd be back in a while, then headed straight for his car.
Washington, D.C.
March 18, 2005
Robert McCall sat in the easy chair in his hotel suite, sipping at the tea Rose had ordered from room service for him. Though it was spring, the Maryland afternoons were still cool. He found he'd quickly grown accustomed to the warm California weather and visits east were harder on him than he would like to admit. He chuckled to himself. Most of the time he felt as young as he always had, but there were definitely other times, when he could feel every one of his seventy years.
"What's funny?" Rose glanced up from the desk where she'd been addressing post cards to the grandchildren. Besides Nick and Yvette's three that they shared, there were Scott and Lia's two. Though Rose and Robert had never formalized their relationship, she looked upon Ethan and Kathleen as her own and they considered her Grandma Rose. She doted on all the grandchildren and they adored her.
McCall smiled at her. It was hard for him to believe sometimes that she returned the feelings that he'd felt for her but kept silent about all those years. They'd always been friends, and he couldn't really pinpoint the exact moment that they'd become more than that. Their relationship had just gradually transformed into what they shared now. He'd never pushed her for more than she was ready to give. He knew the major portion of her heart would always belong to Jake, but she'd made room for Robert and he was more than willing to share that place of honor.
"Nothing really," he answered her. "Life in general, I suppose."
Rose didn't press him for further explanations. That was her way. She let him take things as far as he cared to. That applied in all aspects of their lives, but mostly in dealing with McCall's past profession. He knew she didn't exactly approve of the things he'd done while working for the Company, but she never let it interfere in their present lives.
It was the same part of her personality that kept her from pestering him about when they were going home. They'd come out for the funeral and that was over and done with. Yet, Robert had been reluctant to leave. He was waiting for something... he wasn't quite sure what, but he knew he couldn't go yet and Rose had left it up to him to decide.
A determined knock on the door turned both their heads. McCall motioned for Rose to stay seated as he got up to see who was there. A sixth sense, honed by years of expedience, told him that this was what he'd been waiting for. He made his way confidently to the door and opened it. He wasn't surprise at who he found standing there.
"Hello, Lee." He moved aside. "Won't you come in."
Lee stepped inside and nodded a greeting to Rose. McCall could tell by his friend's expression that he was upset by something, but Lee remained silent. He stood by the television, his face anxious. He held what could only be a telephone answering machine in his hands.
"Would you two like to talk privately?" Rose got up, as if to move into the bedroom.
McCall looked to Lee. The younger man shook his head slightly.
"That's okay, Rose. I guess it doesn't really matter one way or the other."
"Very well, then." McCall gestured for Lee to have a seat. Lee declined, instead he reached into his pocket and pulled out a tiny cassette. He moved over to plug in the machine, then loaded the tape and pressed play.
"Tell me what you know about this," he stated evenly.
Washington, D.C.
June, 1973
"Come in, gentlemen, come in. McCall, it's always nice to see you again."
Robert shook the hand extended to him. He wasn't sure what the purpose of this meeting was, only that he'd been "requested" to report here and to be sure and bring Charles with him. He inclined his head toward is old friend.
"This is Colonel Stetson. Charles, this is our Western Control."
He watched at Charles and Control exchanged handshakes. Both men were roughly the same age, in their early fifties, but while Colonel Stetson was nearing the end of his military career, Control was still in full command of his sector, wielding more power than he probably should. He was also someone McCall had disagreed with on many issues. He got along much better with the younger Northern Control. In fact, they were as good of friends as an agent and his sector chief could be and still retain a professional level to their relationship. It was something he'd never experienced with the man before and this sudden interest in a nearly retired army Colonel, who also happened to be Robert's personal friend, had caused McCall a great degree of anxiety.
"It's a pleasure, Colonel, a real pleasure." Control was exuding charm, a sure sign he was up to something. From experience, McCall knew it wouldn't be to his liking.
Colonel Stetson, however, had no such prior knowledge. He was all formality. "McCall tells me you wanted to see me. How can I help you?" he inquired in his trademark, no-nonsense tone of voice.
Control gestured toward the chairs and the two visitors took their seats. Control elected to remain standing.
"I've called you here, Colonel, because I have a job that's rather delicate. It's going to require the right kind of person." He leaned forward intently. "I know you're just the man for that job."
McCall saw Charles straighten a bit in his chair. "As I'm sure you know, I've helped the Intelligence community whenever I could. What sort of an assignment do you have in mind?"
Something flashed in Control's eyes and McCall felt a rush of dread. This wasn't going to be pleasant.
Control perched on the edge of his desk and began his pitch. "As a military man, I'm sure you're aware of the situation in San Felipe." The Colonel nodded. "You may not know that we've just fronted a new regime."
"A coup," McCall interjected. He might have succeeded in keeping the sarcasm out of his voice.
Control didn't spare him a glance. He continued smoothly. "The new government is trying desperately to stabilize matters. We feel a strong presence of the military would help keep the rabble under control."
"Whose military?" Charles' sharp question caused McCall to smile inwardly. His friend knew exactly what was going on here.
Control never flinched. "Why theirs, of course."
"Of course," McCall murmured. This time Control did scowl at him.
"Let's cut to the heart of this," Colonel Stetson demanded. "What do you want me to do?"
Control smiled easily. "We're going to help the new prime minister set up a military academy in the capitol city. They can train their troops where they'll be very visible. We want you to go on assignment there as our military attaché. You'll advise them, help them maintain the proper amount of authority."
"Don't you mean repression?" Charles rose to the full extent of his six foot plus frame. "I'm sorry, Control. I strongly disagree with that kind of intervention on the part of our government." His voice was calm, but firm. "I cannot, in good conscience, accept your offer."
"I'm sorry you feel that way."
Something in Control's voice caused that sick feeling to return to Robert's stomach. The man wasn't finished yet. There was a minute of heavy silence in the room, before Control continued.
"I'm afraid I can't accept your refusal."
The Colonel faced the man with disbelief and anger. "What is that supposed to mean? You have no jurisdiction over me."
Control's face had grown stony with determination. "We need you, Colonel. All our information tells us you are the right man for the job. You will report to the capitol city in San Felipe next week. It's been cleared with your commander."
"And if I refuse? At my age, I can always appeal an assignment."
A smirk lurked at the corners of Control's mouth. He reached into his desk and pulled out a file. "I don't think you'll refuse," he began, then handed the folder to Colonel Stetson. "Take a good look at those documents."
McCall watched curiously as Charles flipped through the papers. He saw his friend's face go from confusion, to barely controlled rage.
"What is the meaning of this? None of this is true!"
Control shook his head sadly. "Does that really matter? Once word gets out of your poor, deceased brother's 'questionable' activities, no one will care if it's true or not... certainly not the security team investigating your nephew's clearance for his new job at the Agency."
McCall felt his own jaw drop in indignation. He could only imagine what Charles was thinking or feeling. Control hadn't elaborated, but he left it clear that not only would he drag Matthew's name through the mud, but Lee would have no future in this business either.
He witnessed all the emotions run through Charles' eyes, as he considered his options. Sadly, they were few. Though his friend rarely spoke of his feelings for his family, Robert knew they ran deep. After a time, the Colonel tossed the file back onto the desk.
"I'll go," he stated, "with one provision. You leave the boy alone." His voice was intense, with barely repressed fury. "I'll do your little job for you, but none of your lies will touch Lee."
Control nodded. "I'm glad you see it that way. After you leave, I'll arrange to bury this little file. It's been nice meeting you, Colonel. I don't suppose I'll see you again for about five or ten years. That's the projected duration of your assignment."
Charles stood there silently, then spun on his heel and stalked out of the room. As soon as the door closed, McCall jumped to his feet.
"You have something you want to add, McCall?"
Robert could barely control his outrage at this man's abuse of his friend, as well as his own unwitting part in it. He slammed his fist on the slick desktop.
"Dammit! That man's spent the last thirty-five years serving and defending his country. He has the right to a little peace. He doesn't deserve what you just did to him!"
Control studied him with cool detachment. "I would have thought by now you'd have learned, McCall. The greater good is what we're interested in. We needed Charles Stetson to get this job done. I knew he wasn't going to accept so I used what leverage I could find. We all have to make sacrifices."
"Sacrifices? You just blackmailed a man with lies and double-talk! You used the only things you could find against him... his dead brother's good name and his nephew's future!"
Control wasn't phased by this onslaught. He merely sat behind his desk and picked up the file. "Are you quite through, McCall?" The question was calm, but the intent was clear.
Robert clamped his jaw shut, but his anger still boiled. "Not yet," he hissed, then spun and strode determinedly out the door. Hurrying down the hall, it didn't take him long to catch up with Colonel Stetson.
"Charles... Charles, wait a minute."
The Colonel halted, his face frozen in a mask of non-emotion. "Did you know about that?"
Robert shook his head and held up his hand for silence. He spied an empty room and motioned his friend to proceed him. He shut the door for privacy.
"First of all, you must believe me... I had no idea what he was up to."
The Colonel's shoulder's sagged a bit. "I'm sorry, I know better than that." He moved to the small window and stared out at the clear blue sky. "You know that bastard, Robert. Can I trust him to keep his word?"
McCall stepped up beside his friend. "I think he will. But it might not hurt to have a little insurance." He reached into his pocket and pulled out the mini-recorder. Charles stared at him in amazement as McCall placed the device in his hand. He smiled wryly. "It never hurts to be prepared for all contingencies."
The Colonel pocketed the machine wordlessly. "Thank you, Robert. I don't know when I'll see you again, but it would mean a lot to me if you could keep an eye on Lee for me."
McCall nodded. "Certainly."
Charles' expression grew decidedly uncomfortable. "I haven't been... well, I'm not sure I always did the right thing for the boy, but I always..." His voice trailed off, as if he were unsure exactly how to say what he was feeling.
McCall placed an understanding hand on the Colonel's arm. "I'll look out for him. I promise."
Charles met his gaze and smiled gratefully.
Washington, D.C.
March 18, 2005
The tape stopped and there was no sound in the room. McCall remembered only too well the recorded exchange. Charles never told him what he'd done with the tape. Obviously he'd left it for his nephew to find.
"You know," Lee finally spoke softly, "I never knew why he took that assignment. It didn't seem like something he would do, but I figured he'd been ordered there."
"In a way, he was. He never would have agreed to go without this kind of incentive."
Lee found his way to the bed and sank down on the mattress. He at last met McCall's gaze. "You knew all this time. Why didn't you ever tell me?"
McCall crossed his arms over his chest. "It wasn't my place. Your uncle asked me not to and I kept my word." He moved to sit beside Lee. "I can understand if you're angry with me."
Lee shook his head. "I'm not mad at you, McCall." He shrugged. "I don't know what I am right now. I just can't help thinking if I'd known what was going on... what kind of tactics they'd used on him... Hell, I don't even know if I'd have even gone to work for them."
"But you didn't," McCall pointed out. "By the time you started with the Agency, those kind of dirty tricks were fast becomming a thing of the past. That was the biggest reason I never tried to talk you out of joining. The Agency was different..." He smiled wryly. "Kinder and gentler, if you will."
Lee finally smiled. "I understand what you're saying, it's just... I wish..." He didn't finish. He rose from the bed instead and walked over to the door. He paused when he got there. "I just want you to know I appreciate everything you've done for my family." He gestured to the answering machine. "Everything."
McCall nodded his understanding and watched as Lee walked out the door. He stood staring after the younger man until he felt Rose come up behind him.
"You're a good man, Robert. Have I ever told you that?"
He smiled gratefully. "Yes you have. Probably more times than I deserve."
She stretched up to kiss him and he drew her into his arms.
Washington, D.C.
March 18, 2005
Amanda got out of her cab and stood at the curb, shielding her eyes from the afternoon sun. She could make out the figure of her husband in the little valley and she started down the grassy hill.
She'd grown worried when he'd left the Colonel's house so abruptly, and even more so when he hadn't returned after several hours. She had no idea where he might have gone until she got the phone call from McCall. After that, she knew where he would be.
She approached silently, but he was aware of her presence. He didn't turn as she came up and slid her arm around his waist. They stood together for a time gazing at the three graves.
The first two had headstones, but the third was too new. It was as yet unmarked. The stone for Charles Stetson would be placed in a few weeks. There were fresh flowers on all three.
"I guess you talked to McCall," Lee finally commented.
"He called. He wanted to be sure you were okay." She studied his profile intently. "Are you?"
He smiled softly. "Yeah," he breathed. "I think so." He faced her, his eyes full of unspoken emotion. "It's not fair. When I joined the Agency, one of the things I was looking forward to was being near him. He was just about ready to retire and I thought..." he shrugged, "I guess I thought maybe we could spend some time together... get to know each other better. Then he took that assignment. He left the country and was gone for nearly fifteen years." Lee stared down at the graves. "I can remember thinking he left the country on purpose to get away from me." He chuckled dryly at the irony. "Shows you how much I know."
Amanda gave him a squeeze. "That was the whole point. You didn't know. He didn't want you to."
"Yeah, I guess." Lee sighed heavily. "We just never got a break."
"Lee, he wasn't very good at words, but these last few years... being around you and the kids... well, he was the happiest he ever was."
Lee nodded. "I know that. I'm just beginning to realize how much I'm going to miss him."
They fell silent and stood there for a few more minutes. At last, Lee took a deep breath.
"I guess we should get going."
"Yep. Camille's probably got the last of the kitchen packed up."
"There are a few boxes I want to take home with us."
Amanda turned to go, but Lee hadn't moved yet. He was still facing his uncle's grave. As she watched, he came to attention and gave a crisp salute, bidding Colonel Charles Stetson a formal good-bye.