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  “Yes, just exhausted. Sorry about the late call, I didn’t know if you would still be up, so I was planning on leaving a voicemail.” Stephanie’s voice was strained, her normal cheerfulness missing.

  “What’s the matter, something’s wrong?”

  His answer was silence. Finally she said, “It’s going to be another week before I can get back.”

  It was now his time for silence.

  “Sean?”

  “I’m here.” He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “We haven’t seen each other in over a month.”

  “I know, I can’t help it. We’re having trouble finding franchisee’s with solid financial backing. It’s just taking time.”

  “This isn’t working Steph.”

  “It’s only temporary.”

  “It’s late, I’m tired and you’re tired. I don’t want to discuss this right now. I’ll call you tomorrow.” He ended the call, stood and went to his bathroom to splash water on his face.”

  ***

  He woke up late the next day. Since it was Saturday, he started looking through the data again. By mid-afternoon, his patience growing short and his temper growing shorter, he saw a name in a document that caused him pause. He sent the document to his printer and grabbed it when it was done. He smiled, picked up his cell phone, scrolled through his favorites and pressed the call icon.

  The call was answered on the third ring, “Well, well, I haven’t heard from my favorite recruit for several months. How are you Sean?”

  “I’m doing well Joseph. I talk to your nephew all the time, but not you. Since Alan’s my boss, I prefer to talk to you.”

  Joseph chuckled, “Alan can be difficult. His mother was that way when we were growing up. So why the unexpected call?”

  “When did you decide to get into computer security?”

  There was silence on the other end of the call. “What do you mean, computer security?”

  “Articles of incorporation, your name is plastered all over it.”

  Joseph was quiet again, “Uh—what are you working on Sean?”

  “Searching for a missing fugitive. We have a theory he formed a computer company and I’ve spent the past seven months in my spare time going over article of incorporation from all over the country. I just ran across yours and since I’m tired of looking at this stuff, I decided to call you. Besides, we haven’t talked in while.”

  Although Kruger couldn’t see it, Joseph frowned. “What’s the fugitive’s name?”

  Kruger told him, “We know he’s taken on a new identity. From what we’ve learned, he’s an expert hacker and has erased all traces of his digital existence.” He chuckled, “So, you never told me why you started a computer security company.”

  “Oh, just a natural extension of my business. One has to stay current and relevant.”

  They talked for another hour, a little about the fugitive, but mostly two old friends, catching up on each other’s life.

  ***

  After the call ended, Joseph was quiet. He knew the name Kruger had mentioned early on in the conversation. It was from a long time ago and a different stage of Joseph’s long and varied career with the United States government.

  On Monday morning, Joseph caught the 6:00 a.m. Delta flight to Atlanta out of Springfield-Branson National Airport and arrived just before 9:00 a.m. Eastern time. Since he would be returning to Springfield later in the day, there was no need for any checked bags. After exiting the terminal, he sent a text message and waited next to the curb in the passenger drop-off area. After waiting several minutes, he saw his ride pulling to the curb. The driver was in his mid-forties with light brown hair, cut high and tight military style. His face was lined and weathered, and his biceps stretched the fabric of his desert BDUs, which bore no insignia or rank. The driver was silent as he accelerated the Ford away from the curb.

  After a few moments, the driver said, “Good morning, sir. Did you have a nice flight?”

  “Excellent. Thank you for picking me up, Sandy.”

  “No problem, sir. It’s good to see you again.” Major Benedict “Sandy” Knoll drove in silence for several moments. As they exited the airport, he said, “Per your request, I have a computer terminal ready for you in a private office at the facility. Do you mind if I ask what this is all about?”

  Joseph looked out the window, “I’m checking on the background of an individual, that’s all.” He was silent for a moment then said. “He came through basic at Ft. Benning. Just want to see if the man is who he says he is.”

  Sandy gave him a quick glance and smiled. “Bullshit, sir. You could have done that without flying all the way to Atlanta.” He paused and continued to stare out the front windshield. After a while, he said, “Just let me know if I can help.”

  Joseph nodded, “Okay, thank you Sandy.”

  An hour later, Joseph sat at a computer, his attempts to find information about the name Kruger had mentioned continuously blocked. Finally, after using his current status with the CIA, he found the file buried behind the military equivalent of a firewall.

  The file was extensive and described a man trained in both computers and weapons. The man had been at the frontlines in various hotspots around the world. His skills included database hacking, denial of service attacks, computer virus creation, and small-arms and long-range marksmanship. He was also skilled in hand-to-hand combat. The file also contained a picture. A picture of a younger JR Diminski.

  Joseph sat back in his chair and stared at the photo. “I’ll be damned. It is him.” He personally didn’t care why JR had changed his identity. A man always had reasons. The only problem Joseph had was how to discuss this knowledge with JR.

  As he examined the file, he found another potential problem. Someone had accessed it seven months ago. It was the only time the file had been viewed in over ten years. Joseph frowned, scratched his goatee, and stared at the computer screen. The timing was correct; someone from JR’s past had been trying to find him. He’d have Sandy check it out and get back to him. They had lunch and Sandy agreed to find out who had accessed the file. Afterward, Sandy returned Joseph to the airport.

  Joseph caught the 4:00 p.m. flight back to Springfield and was at the Ozark Brewery by 6:15 p.m. Springfield time. JR was sitting next to him, sipping on a beer. Joseph was silent as he stared at the TV, still uncertain how to approach the topic he needed to discuss.

  JR had asked him several times if anything was wrong, but Joseph just smiled. “Nothing, just thinking.”

  JR frowned. Joseph normally talked nonstop about sports during their so-called bar time while JR waited for Mia to get off work. But tonight, JR sensed something was wrong.

  Finally he said, “Well, if you’re going to be this much fun to be around, I’m going to the dentist and have some teeth pulled. At least he would talk to me.”

  “Sorry. I’ve got a lot on my mind tonight.”

  “Want to talk about it?”

  Joseph looked at him. “It concerns you, but I can’t discuss it here.”

  “I hate conversations that start with ‘I can’t discuss it here,’ but”—he glanced at his watch—“Mia won’t be off for another hour or so. Let’s take a walk.”

  Joseph nodded and threw a twenty-dollar bill on the bar. He stood up and left. JR followed him out to the sidewalk and they started walking east toward the downtown area.

  “JR, if I had something confidential to tell you,” Joseph said, “how would you react?”

  “I’d keep it confidential.”

  Joseph nodded and remained quiet for a few minutes. Finally, he said, “I know your real name isn’t JR Diminski.”

  JR was quiet and stared ahead.

  “I was in Atlanta today, refreshing my memory with some old army files. I confirmed my suspicions and read your official top-secret file.”

  JR’s eye’s widened. He looked at Joseph. “I didn’t know I had a top-secret file. What’s in it?” Realizing what he had said, JR frowned and stared ahea
d.

  “Probably the only information left on the planet about a man named…”

  “I couldn’t get to it, otherwise it would be gone too.” He stopped walking and stared at Joseph. “How the hell did you know to go looking for a file with that name?”

  Joseph chuckled, “I wasn’t always a gun shop owner my friend. At times during my career, I’ve recruited candidates for the FBI, CIA, DEA and ATF. I was the guy who used to get away from all the Ivy League colleges and ferret out good people who live in the middle of the country. I found and recruited, Sean Kruger, the FBI agent looking for you. I was also going to recruit a young man with computer and marksmanship skills from Fort Benning.” He paused and glanced at JR, but he was staring ahead. “But, you were mustered out after a very negative review from your commanding officer. I didn’t pursue the matter. And, quite frankly forgot about you, until Sean mentioned your old name the other day.”

  “Major Morton was a government-inspected, certified asshole. He encouraged me to leave. He kept talking about congressional defense cutbacks or some such nonsense.”

  “You were classified as one of the top computer experts in the army. Plus, you could shoot a flea off a dog’s nose at five hundred yards. Not too many men have those skill sets. There were several individuals at the Pentagon who were not happy you chose not to re-enlist. In fact they severely chastised your commanding officer for letting you muster out. He was demoted back to captain.” Joseph chuckled. “He put a note in your file about you being, and I quote, ‘a malcontent, not fit for the army.’ What did you do to cause that reaction?”

  “I was smarter than he was.” JR paused, looked at Joseph, “CIA?”

  Joseph nodded. “I’ve met several Major Morton’s in my career. They never think about improving the team. They’re more interested in keeping the aggregate IQ level below theirs. If you’re interested, he was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan.”

  Diminski shrugged, trying to figure out what his next steps should be. He couldn’t leave Mia. It was time to listen to Joseph and see what he had in mind. “Figures,” he said. “Morton finally pissed off the wrong guy.” He stopped walking. “Where is this conversation going, Joseph?”

  “You have a problem bigger than that file, JR.”

  JR was quiet.

  “I’m serious. The man I recruited to join the FBI is still looking for you. He’s examining the records of incorporation for any computer related companies formed in the past nine months. It’s tedious work, but, he is a very persistent individual. He’s going to find you.”

  “My name doesn’t appear anywhere. I incorporated under your corporate…” JR’s eyes grew wide and his face pale.

  “In his investigation, he just ran across the articles we submitted to form the computer security division of my company. Since we’re old friends, he took a break and called me, to catch up.”

  JR was pale again, but said nothing.

  “I’m just warning you this FBI agent does not give up. He’ll find you JR.” He paused to let that sink in. “There’s also someone else looking for you. Your file was accessed seven months ago. Probably for the same reason. They’re still looking JR. What did you do to cause so much attention?”

  His eyes grew narrow, his face flushed and he said in a low menacing voice, “I was defending myself.”

  Joseph smiled. “That’s what my friend Sean Kruger thinks as well. But, without talking to you, he has no proof, only the words of two very rich and powerful men. Men, I might add, who claim you were the aggressor, not them.”

  JR started walking east again, leaving Joseph several feet behind. After catching up he said, “Do you want to keep running the rest of your life? Or do you want to work with me and take care of the problem? Look, I don’t know what you did. Nor do I care. I’m offering you help.”

  JR said nothing. He turned around and started walking again back toward the pub.

  Joseph caught up. “I don’t need an answer tonight. I didn’t expect one. You don’t know me well enough to completely trust me. But, right now I’m the best friend you could possibly have. I can help get this worry off your shoulders.” Joseph smiled. “Then you and Mia can get on with your lives, have a family if you want.” He paused. “Can you provide her that now?”

  JR shook his head and stopped walking. Joseph looked him in the eye. “Think about it. If you want my help, be at the Ozark Brewery tomorrow night at six. I’ll explain it to you then.”

  JR watched him walk away. After several moments, he said loud enough for Joseph to hear. “I’ll think about it.”

  Chapter 13

  Springfield, MO

  When JR arrived at his building, he saw Mia’s car parked in her spot. He hurried up the stairs to the second-floor apartment and stepped inside. The sound of her singing could be heard from the living room. She was standing at the kitchen counter tearing lettuce for a salad. She turned her head and smiled as he entered the room. JR rushed across the room and hugged her tightly.

  The embrace lasted longer than normal. She pushed away. “What’s wrong, JR?”

  “Nothing,” he said. “I just missed you.”

  “Right.” She looked at him, her eyes narrowing. “How many beers did you have?”

  He chuckled. “Just one. I didn’t even finish it.”

  She smiled. “Okay.” Returning to the salad, she started to say something but stopped. Her smile disappeared and she said, “JR, can I ask you a question?”

  He stepped back and frowned as his stomach tightened. The beginning of a panic attack swept over him. He caught the edge of the kitchen table as he stumbled, but didn’t fall. Had Joseph spoken to her?

  She was startled at his reaction, “Are you okay?”

  He nodded, “What did you want to ask me?”

  “How do you feel about me?”

  The sudden tension melted away and his smile returned. “I can’t get up in the morning without wondering if you’re up yet. The last thing I think about before bed is you. Plus, I spend most of the day imagining what you’re doing.” He paused briefly. “I’m falling in love with you Mia, that’s how I feel.”

  She sighed deeply. “I’ve felt the same way about you for some time now.” She sniffled, shivered slightly and took a deep breath. “Ever since my grandparents died, I’ve felt alone. My roommate in college was my best friend. After graduation, she got married and moved to the East Coast.” She paused and wiped a tear with the back of her hand. “Everybody I’ve ever cared about is gone. First my mom left, then my grandparents died, and then my best friend moved away.” She paused, buried her face against his chest and sobbed deeply, “I don’t want to lose you too.”

  He felt wetness on his chest as his shirt absorbed her tears. She continued, “I’m falling in love with you too, JR, and it scares me. I know it sounds selfish, but if I give my heart to you, then something happens and you leave…” She was quiet for a few moments, then in a voice barely above a whisper, said, “I don’t know—I might not be able to handle it.”

  In that instant, his decision was made. He would talk to Joseph in the morning and agree to meet with him at six tomorrow. “Mia, I don’t know what the future holds for either one of us. I do know how I feel about you. I’ve had exactly one serious girlfriend in my life, and that relationship was more in my head than reality. She moved to Florida, supposedly to find a rich beach bum. I hope she found him.” He paused. “Sorry, don’t know why I’m babbling about my ex-girlfriend.” He sighed. “For any relationship to survive, there has to be trust the other person feels the same way.” He paused again. She kept her cheek against his chest and continued to sob. He said, “Since I’ve been here, I’ve met a lot of couples who have spent their entire married lives together. Can we? I would like to think so. I want to get married, I want a family, and I want to grow old with someone. That someone is you.”

  Mia lifted her head from his chest and held him tighter. He saw tears rolling down her cheeks. Her body shuttered and she to
ok a deep breath, trying to suppress the crying. She didn’t succeed. She put her head back on his chest and wept harder. He held her as tight as he could while her body shook. Finally after a minute she calmed down, looked up, reaching behind his neck and pulling him to her lips. They kissed. Then she pushed away, took his hand, and led him toward the bedroom.

  The intensity of their lovemaking was beyond anything he had ever experienced. Afterward, they lay next to each other, sweating and holding each other tightly. She had not said a word since the kiss in the kitchen. Raising her head off his chest, she stared into his eyes. “If you ever leave me, you will never experience it that way again.” She laid her head back on his chest. Her breathing slowed and became rhythmic as she drifted off to sleep.

  JR continued to hold her. “Mia, I promise, I’ll never leave you. Afraid you’re stuck with me.”

  The next thing he knew, it was morning. Her side of the bed was empty, but the smell of coffee and her singing from the kitchen made him smile. He grabbed his cell phone and called Joseph. “I’ll be there.” He listened, “Yeah, six sharp. Thanks Joseph.”

  A few minutes later, she was back in the bedroom holding two cups of coffee. She smiled and handed a cup to him. She was wearing one of his old t-shirts, which he thought looked great on her. Sitting on the bed cross-legged facing him, she sipped her coffee and smiled. “And you’re stuck with me.”

  ***

  Monday evening Kruger sat in O’Dowd’s Irish Pub several blocks from his apartment drinking a beer and on the verge of feeling sorry for himself. He liked the place, but the few times he’d been there were with Stephanie. She had not answered or returned his calls on Sunday or today. As he was reaching for the phone to call her, it vibrated. He checked the ID and accepted the call as quickly as possible. “Hi.”

  “Hi back…”

  “I’m sorry for what I said Saturday. I was totally out of line.”

  “That’s why I called.”