They all wanted to look, and Hunter said, “It’s not that bad, I’m a little bruised up is all.”
David said, “We got you something.” He trotted to their canvas bags that carried the drones and pulled out a new one, still in the box.
They stood side by side and presented it to her as Carlos said, “This makes you a part of our club, and you can come fly with us any time.”
“How about now?”
They helped her get it out of the box and readied, then clapped and cheered when she put it airborne.
The boys wasted no time in flying theirs with her, and Hunter lost all moody thoughts as she and the three boys flew the drones in the blue sky.
Raymond and the other men didn’t talk as they watched their friend enjoying herself. Then Raymond called out, “Come and get it!”
~*~
Hunter was still on light duty doing paperwork and answering the phone at the station when she received a call on her personal phone. Lincoln Jones said, “Hello, Hunter. Have you checked with EPIC for the latest report out of Mexico?”
“You can just tell me.”
Lincoln said, “You win. The police in Chihuahua City found Hiyoki’s body hanging from a light pole.”
“Was there a note or message?”
“No. I believe they think the signs of torture on him were statement enough.”
“Pretty bad?”
“Gruesome.” He paused for a moment, “You didn’t have anything to do with it, did you?”
Hunter thought, Whoa, and decided on innocence as the way to go, since Lincoln was more perceptive than she guessed. “I was in the hospital, then at home and work. I haven’t gone anywhere near the border.”
“Okay, I’ll accept that. Thank you.”
She said, “How are you doing?”
“Buck and I are getting together for dinner today. He and I have been talking a good bit. And I’ve contacted several of my Marine friends from the Grenada days.”
“Good for you.”
“I also sent you an email from Langley showing the new star for Art on the memorial wall. I thought you’d want to see it.”
“Thanks.”
“Goodbye, Hunter. We probably won’t be talking again.”
She heard him break the connection and she put her phone on the desk.
Joe Harris stopped by the desk and said, “How long are you gonna ride this gravy train? I thought you were tough.” He winked and walked away, laughing.
She called after him, “You’re not the boss of me!” Joe laughed harder.
Hunter smiled and leaned back in her chair, interlacing her fingers behind her head, “It’s been a good day.”
~~~***~~~