“You know you can stay here,” River assures me. I know I can, but imposing is not in my nature, especially to a couple who could be going through the same things Ryley and I are. Six years is a long time to go without seeing each other, and to find each other again takes time. Time is not my friend right now.
“You and Frannie need time. I don’t want to impose.”
River looks over his shoulder quickly and shakes his head. “I’m home, but things are different. She doesn’t ask questions and acts like nothing is amiss. My clothes were still hanging in my closet, my boots by the door. My favorite beer was in the refrigerator and when I went to throw it out she said she had just bought it. I’m not sure what to think. Either she really held out hope, or she’s not right in the head.”
I try not laugh, but can’t keep it in. “That’s your wife you’re talking about.”
He shakes his head. “I know, and I’m trying to tell myself that she was just keeping everything because she hoped I would return, but it’s just odd especially when she buried me. Either way, you’re welcome here until… well, as long as you need. I could use the
company.”
“Thanks, man.”
A couple of River’s neighbors walk by, stopping to chat, and a few venture into territory that neither of us are willing to talk about. Everyone wants to know what happened. Where we’ve been and how we’re doing. Each neighbor is caring, offering us their shoulder as if we’d divulge our lives to them. That’s what I have Doc Howard for. I’ve told her classified information, facts that could possibly get me dishonorably discharged, but I trust her. Telling a stranger walking down the street, however, is never gonna happen.
“They’re nosey, yet caring.”
River chuckles. “You have no idea. The first night I was home, the doorbell rang every thirty seconds and every visitor brought food. Frannie doesn’t know this, but I took most of it down to the shelter.”
“Very noble of you.”
“Nah,” he says as he pops open another beer. “Do you ever wonder why the press isn’t hounding us? We were dead, Archer, and then showed up out of the blue as if nothing happened. Where are the talk shows and book deals?”
What he’s saying makes me wonder about the same thing and it perplexes me. We should be all over national TV and signing deals right and left to tell our story.
“Everything about that mission is a mystery. We extracted the package, only to be sent out continuously. We should’ve been home within ten days. Someone wanted us gone and we have to find out why and who.” Thinking about what I want to say next and making it sound plausible and not some lame ass attempt on my part to get Nate out of the way, is tricky. Sighing, I run my hand through my hair and stand.
“I know this woman. She works for Navy Intelligence – at least she did before we left. I’m going to call her up and see if she can help. Hopefully with her and Carole we can learn something. We’ve been home a month and I have a feeling shit isn’t even stirring enough to hit the fan.”
“Who is she?”
Smirking, I think this name will get a rise out of River. “Cara Hughes,” I pause to see if he has any recollection of who she is. When he doesn’t, I continue. “She was Nate’s girlfriend when we left.”
River’s eyes meet mine and disappointment is written all over his face. His head moves back and forth slowly. I know he’s not going to approve, but Cara is a viable option for help. She’ll be able to gain access to confidential and hidden files, which is what I’m assuming is needed.
“You’re playing a dangerous game, Archer.”
“I know, but with her connections –”
“To Nate?”
“No, not necessarily,” I say with a shake of my head. “Cara can access files that Carole can’t. She’s trained to find answers.”
“She’s Nate’s ex. Don’t tell me you’re bringing her around to see if she can get him away from Ryley?”
The thought of using Cara like that hadn’t crossed my mind. From what I remember, they were in love but I don’t even know if she’s still around.
“It’s not that, River. Clearly something happened between them since he’s engaged to Ryley, but I’m hoping she can help. Honestly, I don’t even know where to find her, it’ll be a shot in the dark.”
River nods and looks like he’s contemplating what I’m saying. I could be grasping at straws where Cara is concerned. I don’t know why she and my brother are no longer together. It could be a number of things, one being Ryley got in the way.
“Like I said, it’s a long shot, but it’s better than not doing anything.” I sigh, exasperated. I want the answers to all my questions put down on a piece of paper and handed to me on a silver platter.
“I’m going to get going,” I say, needing to clear my head.
“Where?”
I shrug. “I don’t know, for a drive. I just need to think.”