Epilogue
Ten days later, Caitlyn clicked onto the last image of her presentation. “As you’ll note from this recap, the Bridging Veterans Foundation has a 96.8% success rate in meeting all physical needs and medical requests based on the original intake diagnosis. With the committee’s approval of continued funding, we pledge to maintain that excellent standard.” She scanned down the row of seated officials, hoping her smile looked more sincere than scared. The experience was intimidating. “Thank you again for the opportunity to address your sub-committee.”
“Thank you, Miss Auliffe, for your presentation. Any follow-up questions will be sent to your email address.” The middle-aged man at the center microphone nodded in her direction. “Committee members, let’s take a fifteen-minute break before we hear from the next presenter.”
The ordeal was over. Weeks of preparation and all that worry for a twenty-minute presentation.
Bertie leaned close from his chair at her side. “Well done. Not a single stumble.”
After unplugging her computer and stowing everything in her briefcase, she stood from the wooden table with its stands of microphones and turned. A beaming smile caught her attention, and she gasped.
In the front row giving her double thumbs-up approval sat her dad, thinner but steady as he stood with the aid of a cane.
Her mother held a hand inches away from his back, just in case.
Caitlyn’s eyes burned, proud and a little scared that he heard her presentation. “I didn’t know you’d be here, Daddy.” Enveloped in his hug, she felt the toll the chemo had taken on his once-vigorous body. But this was her father, and he’d come to give her support, albeit silent.
“Couldn’t miss my little girl doing what she does best. Wave the banner and beat the drum for veterans’ rights and demand what’s due these brave men.” He smiled and rested a hand on her shoulder. “You did the family proud today, Katydid.”
“Your praise means a lot.” Then she lifted her head and glanced around until she felt the pull of the intense gaze from the man she had come to count on for so much. “Actually, I have someone I’d like you to meet.”
Rhys rose from his chair in the back row, mimed applause, and then jerked a thumb toward the exit.
She swept a hand toward the aisle. “Let’s go into the hallway for our talk.” Her gaze followed the confident man who looked so sharp in his three-piece suit and dress boots. Quite a difference from the rugged cowboy in the airport. Especially because now she knew, and probably loved, the man deep inside who struggled with his demons but always fought for the good and the just.
Introductions were made. Caitlyn watched with delight as Rhys and her father talked in the lingo that was specific to military men. She linked an elbow in her mother’s arm and eased her a few feet away. “How’s Daddy doing? Really?”
Lovisa Auliffe turned toward her daughter and smiled. “Caitlyn, don’t worry. I’m monitoring him like I would one of my patients. Of course, the chemo is kicking his ass, but he’s fighting. His last dose is next week. Then my focus will be to get back some of his weight and build muscle mass.”
Her mom’s confident tone spread relief through Caitlyn’s thoughts. Everything would get back to normal...eventually. “That’s what I wanted to hear. And thank you for making the trip. Having you here means so much.”
“The train ride was a lovely treat and more relaxing than I thought. We’ve been meaning to take one for years.” She glanced back at the three men and frowned. “But I can see he’s tiring quickly. Bertie and I will get him back to the hotel.” She leaned close for a hug. “Call me and tell me about your special man.”
“I will. Soon.” Caitlyn squeezed tight and welcomed the responding gesture. “I love you, Mom.”
The older woman eased away and smiled. “Not like I do you.” She tapped Caitlyn’s nose.
The ritual was ages-old but still heartfelt. “I’ll call you when I get back to St. Paul.” After another set of hugs all around, Caitlyn watched her parents and Bertie walk down the corridor lit by the central atrium. Every few feet her mother paused in front of what were probably pictures of famous events. Caitlyn knew she did so her father could have a few moments of rest, thus saving his pride.
Rhys stepped close and slipped an arm around her waist. In his other hand, he held her briefcase. “Your dad’s a great guy. I hope I get to talk with him again.”
She turned into his embrace and leaned a cheek on his shoulder. “I would never have broached the subject at this point in his treatment, but I’m so glad they came.” She inhaled and let out her breath in a long whoosh. Grabbing his hand, she pulled him toward the stairs, barely registering the architectural details of the Hart Building as they walked. “Let’s get outside. Now that my obligation’s over, what shall we do? The hotel is reserved for another night.”
He pushed the exit door and held it open. “These last two weeks have been intense.”
“I led a boring life before my visit to Montana.”Bright sunshine lit the afternoon, but the temperature was dropping, and she felt the change on her stocking-clad legs. She looked around the entrance to the building, watching people in constant motion on the sidewalk. “Want to be tourists? Have you been to Washington D.C. before?”She was dying to visit the nearby Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument that was literally on the other side of this very building.
“Yeah, I have.” He glanced around, his mouth tight. “But what I want is to go back to your place and spend a few days learning about your city.”
The thought of sharing her hometown thrilled her. “You’re really off the clock? No longer undercover agent in charge?”
He stopped walking and eased her close to the building’s marble façade. “Your testimony is now a matter of public record so the threats should stop. The FBI intensified the investigation of the Golden Warrior Brotherhood. I’ll email my final report to Hank tonight.” He grinned and drew her into his embrace, his gaze never leaving hers. “I abdicate control except for…“ Crooking an eyebrow, he lowered his head and whispered logistics for a very specific sexual position.
Her cheeks flamed, and she leaned back enough to cup his cheek. “I can absolutely live with that.”