“I didn’t know she was in the military.”
“Dana’s not. Her current husband is. She got remarried about eight years ago. He’s a newly minted two-star stationed at the Pentagon. Major General Curtis Brown.”
“I’ve heard that name.”
“He’s a sometimes spokesperson for the Pentagon. He looks like a general. Tall, handsome, and ramrod-straight. Combat vet. Yet I’m very surprised he’s survived Dana. She’s a real piece of work.”
“Did you go to the wedding?”
“What do you think? The only reason I knew was because I could finally stop paying alimony.”
“Did you ever meet General Brown?”
Sean shook his head. “If I did I’d wish him luck. Dana’s not exactly low-maintenance.”
“It doesn’t sound like she’s someone you can call up and ask a favor of.”
“I can do anything if the motivation is right.”
“Meaning what?”
“Meaning that if you wanted me to, I would call up Dana and see what she could do for us. She might hang up on me. She might tell me to go to hell and then hang up on me. But it’s the only path I can see right now. So, you tell me. Is Tyler Wingo worth it?”
“That’s not exactly fair, Sean. You’re putting me on the spot here.”
“No, I’m just stating the reality of the situation.”
Michelle sighed and gazed down at her empty beer bottle. “Maybe one phone call to her?”
“Consider it done.”
“So you know how to reach her?”
“I have ways, yes. If not, I can always hire a good private investigator.”
She gave him a playful smirk. “You know, you’ve met my brothers and my father, but I’ve never met your family.”
“My sisters are in Ohio. They never come here and I haven’t come up with a good reason to go there. My parents are in Florida leading the good life in retirement.”
“Do you talk to them much?”
“Hardly ever. When I got drummed out of the Secret Service, well, let’s just say they didn’t really see a need to support me.”
“Funny family.”
“Look who’s talking!” he said sharply.
She pursed her lips and said, “I’m sorry I’m so screwed up.”
“It’s actually one of your most endearing qualities.”
“Let’s never find out what it would be like not to have each other.”
“I’m always on your six,” he said.
“I know,” she said quietly.
Sean gazed off, his mouth edging downward.