After the plane took off from the runway at the Air Force installation in London, Robie eyed Decker, who was sitting in his seat, obviously lost in thought.
“You did good, Decker,” he said. “Saved a lot of lives.”
“Wealldid good,” said Jamison. “And we wouldn’t be here but for you two.”
Decker said nothing to this. He just stared at the seatback.
“And Brad Daniels recovered and is living at a VA hospital,” said Robie. “Hear he’s loving telling stories from the past.”
As the plane leveled out, Robie got two beers from the bar up front, sat next to Decker, and handed him one. Reel and Jamison got up from their seats and sat at a table in the back with coffees.
Robie took a sip of his beer and looked out the window. “The folks Purdy was working with have been identified. Appropriate back channels have been opened to bring the hammer down on them and to make sure some people are punished. Therewillbe consequences.”
“Right,” said Decker absently.
“No, therewillbe consequences. And Jess and I are going to be the tips of that spear. We volunteered.”
Decker eyed him closely. “That makes me feel better,” he said quite sincerely.
Robie glanced at him. “You know, every time I finish a mission I take a walk down by Memorial Bridge in DC late at night.”
“Why do you do that?” asked Decker, suddenly interested.
“Don’t know. Why does anyone do anything?”
“To think, maybe?”
“Maybe. A little quiet time before . . .”
“. . . going back to work?”
“Yeah.”
Decker drained half his beer. “Maybe that’s all we have.”
“Meaning work?”
“Meaning, what else?” answered Decker.
“You’re good at what you do.”
“So are you.”
“And I used to think that was enough,” said Robie.
Decker shot him a glance. “And now you don’t?”
“And now . . .maybeI don’t.” He paused and stared at his drink. “I read your file.”
“I didn’t have the opportunity to read yours.”
“I’ve never been married, Decker, never had kids. That would be tough for anyone. I’m sorry that happened to you.”
Decker didn’t respond; he shifted his gaze to look out the window, where it was dark.
“They’re getting ready to enter the bunker,” said Robie. “And clean out all the crap.”
“Good to know.”