Chapter 9

Three days later

Dexter

I’m dressed in my blues and feeling every inch of anxious as I stand at attention, waiting for the outcome of my review.

I keep my eyes ahead at all times as the head of the hearing speaks. “Cadet Colson. You stand before the board charged with conduct unbecoming a United States Airman.”

I swallow and keep my arms linked behind my back. “The Academy saw enough potential in you to place you in the officer’s training program.”

He slides a look to the Wing Commander also seated. “Because of the seriousness of the allegations against you, the Academy elected to have the issue reviewed by the board.”

I stay silent and wait for my turn to speak. “Do you understand the charges against you and the seriousness of the allegations Cadet?”

I nod. “Yes, Sir.”

He looks at my Squadron Leader. “Since the allegations have been filed, further information has come to light that the board has decided to take into account.”

He scans the paper in front of him. “From what we have read and what your Squadron Leader tells us, you are the reason a thief was apprehended three days ago.”

I nod. “Yes, Sir.”

He adjusts his glasses and shuffles the paper around. “Your SL also informed the review board; you were working off-site flying a Cessna without his consent?”

I shoot a look at my SL. Heat tracks down my body as I try to find an answer. “Cadet? Did you not inform your SL?”

My heart starts to pound in my chest. “No, Sir. I was inactive and there wasn’t any rule against spending the weekend flying solo.”

The SL picks now to speak. “Maybe not. But you were flying a criminal with stolen property on board a plane we also hear was potentially a hazard?”

I keep my breathing steady. “I didn’t know either of those things until late Saturday afternoon, Sir.”

“Did you continue to fly the plane when you knew the fuel gauge was faulty?”

All the hairs on the back of my neck rise. “I saw no other option, Sir. The police wanted to talk to me, and I needed to get back.”

They seem to confer amongst themselves, leaving me further in the dark as to why this seems to be a sticking point.

Vance seemed to think the review board would look more favorably at me. But I’m not seeing anything resembling that.

If anything, my involvement seems to have gotten me into even more hot water.

“And when you returned, the police informed you that Michael Burrows could possibly be using the plane to transport stolen goods?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Then they asked for your help to catch him?”

“Yes, Sir.”

He narrows his eyes and removes his glasses. “And at any stage during this process did it ever occur to you to call your SL and inform him?”

My mouth starts to dry up. “There wasn’t time. Sir.”

“But there was time to swap out the fuel gauge, fly back to Macetown, pick up a passenger and then bring her here for medical treatment?”

Fire has started to rush through my body as I see how bad this is looking for me.

“The police already knew there was a possibility the gauge had been tampered with. They had a mechanic standing by, Sir.”

“And the passenger? You knew her?”

I nod and choose my words carefully. “She was the sister of the bride and she was helping me look for Michael after he disappeared.”

“Yes. I can see that.”

He taps a pen on the paper. “There’s no doubt of your skill, cadet. Or your bravery. What is in question is your moral integrity. You were called here to answer for inappropriate behavior with an instructor's daughter. Before we can even address that, we find you involved in another situation involving a woman.”

There’s nothing I can say to deny that. I can’t because it’s true.

When I don’t speak, he tosses his glasses on the desk. “Cadet. On the advice of the Wing Commander and considering your service to the Colorado State Police and the fact you saved a young woman’s life with your quick thinking, the board has already made a decision.”

I hold my breath and try to read the faces of the review board. When I get to the Wing Commander, something unpleasant flickers on his face.

There is absolutely no doubt in my mind this is payback. The second I took the job, I probably put a target on my back.

“It is the board’s decision that while you are a skilled pilot, and your dedication is admirable, your lack of discretion is not a suitable attribute for an officer.”

Ice runs down my spine as he gives me what can only be described as a reluctant smile. “The board feels you would be better suited to another branch of the military. We would have no hesitation recommending you to another program of your choosing.”

The floor starts to shift under me. But I nod. “Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir.”

Whatever else he says, I don’t register it.

I don’t hear another word as they tell me I’m being honorably discharged.

I stumble through the doors, avoiding everyone just like I always do, and step out into the bright sunlight.

A Northrop T-38 Talon screams past on a training run.

I take my hat off and start to walk towards the barracks in a daze. I’m vaguely aware of someone calling my name.

I turn around expecting to see Jack but it’s Carl Sanders stalking towards me.

He has to raise his voice over the Talon above us. “Could I speak with you a moment?”

I can’t imagine what the hell he’s doing here or how he got past the guards, but I’m beyond caring.

I already know from Vance that Scarlett’s been moved to a hospital in Colorado Springs and is doing well, so I don’t ask after her as I steer him inside the chapel.

He takes a seat in a pew and looks around. “You come in here a lot?”

I shrug. “When I need quiet.”

Carl nods slowly. “I wanted to thank you for what you did. Detective Vance says Scarlett would have died if you’d not acted so quickly.”

I look at the Bible closest. “Glad she’s okay.”

I can feel him looking at me, but I can’t find a single word to say to him.

I just lost everything. Every hope, every dream. Everything I worked for. And for what? I’ll never come back from this.

I’ll always be the Academy reject. Even if I choose another branch of the military, I’ll always be tainted.

I rise to my feet. “Sorry. I need to go. I have to hand in my uniform.”

He frowns hard then the penny seems to drop. “You lost your place? The review board made a decision already?”

When I don’t say anything, he frowns even harder. “That’s some grade-A bullshit, son. What will you do?”

It doesn’t take the sting away but when he extends his hand, I accept it. “I don’t know. Maybe try for a commercial license. Or another branch of the military. Long as I’m in the air I’ll survive.”

Even as I say it, I know it falls flat. The Academy was my ticket to a better life. I could have even made it to NASA. But there’s no chance of that now. No chance of flying higher than anyone else has before.

I can’t even think about that now. I have to get away from here.

“Thanks for coming all this way to see me, Sir. I appreciate it.”

Carl releases my hand but not before he gives it a hard enough squeeze for me to know he would have pummelled Nathan Burrows into the ground. “If there’s anything I can do, you let me know.”

He slips his hand inside his pocket and pulls out a card. I turn it over in my hand as a smile creeps over my face. “You’re in security?”

He smiles. “I know my way around a guardhouse. And Detective Vance cleared my path.”

So that’s how he got past the guards.

He slaps a hand down on my shoulder. “Who knows, might be needing a pilot one of these days.”

I know it’s a gesture and one given out of gratitude, so I swallow my bitterness and smile. “If I’m ever in the area, I’ll look you up.”

Carl looks about as relieved as I figured he would when he offers me a clipped nod. “All the best then, son.”

I hang back, watching him until he walks back towards the gate.

I don’t stick around to see Jack, or anyone else. I walk towards my truck and jump inside still dressed in my blues.

There’s only one place I want to be right now. And since I have no plane to fly, the bottom of a bottle of whiskey is the next best option.

***

Scarlett

I’m dressed and bored out of my mind when dad strolls through the door, ready to take me home.

I stand, legs still a little shaky and he looks me over. “You sure you’re well enough?”

I nod. Three nights in the hospital is more than enough. Even if I do feel a little woozy, I can’t stand another night surrounded by sick people.

It’s making me worse, not better. And after the detectives working Michael’s case talked to me, and took my statement, I just want to get as far away from here as possible.

I still don’t know what Michael was doing. All I know is that Dexter was involved somehow and I’m dying to talk to him to find out.

The doctor isn’t happy with me, but work knows, and they’re fine with me recovering at home.

Since snake venom doesn’t leave your system for weeks, it’s going to be a while before I can treat patients again.

“I’m fine, dad. I really just want to get out of here and talk to my boss again.”

He sighs and grabs the overnight bag I took to the villa all the while eyeing the bruising on my face. “I went to see Dexter at the base before I came here.”

I swallow and take dad’s arm to help me balance. “Oh? I didn’t know you could visit?”

He looks sidelong. “I got permission and pulled a few strings.”

I frown at him. “I wish you’d told me. I’d have come too.”

He’s silent for a long while which makes me a little nervous. When he speaks, I’m not totally surprised to hear he’s been busy. “I asked a contact to find out a little information on him.”

I’m pretty sure I know where this is heading, so I sigh. “You mean his father? I know, he mentioned it.”

Dad looks surprised but doesn’t seem reassured Dexter was so forthcoming with his family history. “It’s a hard thing to shake. That kind of upbringing. Could make a man bitter. Angry even.”

I can’t disagree. I can only imagine what kind of a childhood Dexter had before he joined the Academy.

“I guess.”

We walk down the corridor to the elevators, me clinging to my father’s arm, as we make slow progress. “What did you talk to him about?”

His shoulders stiffen a little, but he keeps staring straight ahead. “I thanked him for saving your life.”

I shouldn’t be surprised that he did that. “Oh. Good. I’d like to do the same.”

As we reach the elevators, I’m slightly out of breath and losing energy fast. If the doctors hadn’t already warned me to expect this, I’d be a little worried, but more worrying is the look on dad’s face as we wait for the elevator.

“What is it?”

He releases a weary sigh. “He’s lost his spot. The review board doesn’t think he’s a good fit for the Air Force.”

I’m so shocked I just stare at him until the elevator doors open, and my feet propel me inside. “But,” is all I can manage.

Dad presses the button for the parking garage and shrugs. “I know. It’s a bad deal. But this is the Air Force. There’s no room for error. And Dexter seems to have a habit of a particular kind of error that keeps occurring.”

I lean against the wall as the elevator starts to descend. That dad seems to know so much about Dexter is a little puzzling. But then I have been in hospital for the last three days. And he’s had nothing to do but wait for me while mom and Chelsea try to clean up the mess.

“Have you been having someone investigate him?”

He sends me a look that answers my question. When I open my mouth to protest, he raises his hand. “I’m not saying he deserved to lose his spot. Lord knows I owe that man a debt. But I’m not letting anything like this happen to either of you girls again.”

I swallow and lean my head back as I admit defeat. I’m too tired to argue with him. And truth be told, it’s understandable he wants to be involved after what just happened.

“He’s not the bad guy in this. Why is he being punished?

Dad shakes his head and holds out his arm for me again so I can lean on him as we exit the elevator. “No one is saying he’s a bad guy. And I don’t know why he lost his spot. Maybe there’s more going on here than we know? Nathan Burrows is a very influential and well-connected man. I spoke to Detective Vance, and he seems to think he has influence over the review board.”

I’m mulling that over and wondering why Nathan Burrows agreed not to press charges against dad for punching him when he speaks again. “All I’m saying is that Dexter’s probably going to be looking for someone to blame for all this. I don’t want you in the firing line in case he aims his anger in your direction.”

I freeze, and gape at him. “He’s not like that.”

Dad sighs. “Maybe not. But he just lost everything. And a man with nothing left to lose can be dangerous. Just look at Michael.”

The comparison makes my own anger resurface. “Dexter is nothing like Michael Burrows. He’s sweet and kind, and I…”

Dad flinches as though I struck him. “And you think you’re in love with him?”

I blink. “I didn’t say that.”

He gestures to where the station wagon is parked. “You didn’t have to. And I suppose it’s not surprising. But now isn’t the time to be pursuing him. He’s hurt. You’re still recovering. Give it some time. If you still feel the same way when things go back to normal, give him a call and see where’s he’s at.”

I stare at him, and stupidly feel tears stinging my eyes. He smiles at me and I know he’s just trying to protect me the way he always has.

“I guess that makes sense.”

And it probably does. But there’s a part of me that also wonders if Dexter needs me right now.

Given that I am part of the reason he probably got in trouble. I need to make sure he’s okay. I have to find a way to make this up to him.

And I have to tell him he hasn’t lost everything.

I climb into the front seat and manage to buckle my seat belt when a thought strikes me.

“How did Michael find Dexter anyway?”

Dad shrugs. “I just figured the Wing Commander recommended him. But if he was on the board, that seems unlikely.”

I chew on my lip as I try to think. I can’t remember Dexter saying who told him about the job, but it makes sense Chelsea would know the person or have a way to contact them.

I glance at dad as we drive towards the villa one last time. “I can’t just leave without thanking him in person.”

Dad blows out a breath and looks resigned. “I think Chelsea has his number,” he says.

***

Dexter

I’m nursing a hangover, and heading to the airport when my phone buzzes on my seat.

I glance at it, and frown, puzzled as I see Chelsea’s name flash up on the screen.

Since she’s the last person I want to talk to right now. I let it go to voicemail along with the dozens of other calls I’m ignoring and keep driving until I reach the airport.

I climb out of my truck and stare up at the 747 flying overhead. I grab my bag and reach for my phone just as it starts ringing again.

This time when I see the caller ID, I pick up. “What can I do for you, detective Vance?”

With a plane landing, I have to jam my finger in my ear to hear him. “Say again?”

“I just got off the phone with Carl Sanders. Looks like Chelsea is now willing to talk to us about Nathan Burrows as long as it’s confidential.”

I scowl at my dusty truck. “That’s great. But why are you telling me? It doesn’t change anything.”

“I wouldn’t do anything hasty if I were you. There’s a good chance—"

I cut him off. “The review board made its decision well before any of this happened. This was just the excuse they needed.”

Vance’s voice cuts in and out, so I open the door and get back in my truck so I can hear him better. “Michael Burrows is going to jail for what he did to Scarlett. And if Chelsea knows anything there’s a chance his father might be joining him. I know you’re pissed right now, but we’re working on a solution here. And if you’re smart, you’ll stay put while we figure it out.”

I place a hand on the steering wheel and exhale. “Even if another review board is appointed and they overturn the decision, it won’t be enough. These things stick. A chance isn’t enough to make me stay in Colorado.”

Vance sounds almost pissed at me for being realistic. “So, you just run back home with your tail between your legs?”

I shake my head, just about done with this conversation. “What else can I do? This was my one shot and I blew it.”

“Whatever is going on behind closed doors at the Academy has nothing to do with your ability. Decisions can be undone. Reputations can be repaired. Just let us bring Burrows down and see what shit hits the fan at the Academy.”

I lean my head back against the seat and stare at the people milling around, hauling luggage towards the terminal.

I don’t say anything for so long Vance asks me if I’m still there.

“Yeah,” I say. “I’m still here.”

Rather than listen to any more reassurances he wants to see if he can fix this, I use the beep signaling an incoming call to get him off the line.

“I have another call coming in. I need to go.”

Vance sounds annoyed as I answer the other call. “This is Dex.”

A breathy voice comes down the line and belatedly I check the name and nearly hang up.

But it’s not Chelsea’s breathless voice, it’s Scarlett’s. “Dexter? I’ve been trying to call you for the last hour.”

I take a breath and shake off my surprise. “Are you oka—"

She cuts me off, sounding slightly panicked. “Where are you? I need to speak to you urgently. I don’t have your number on my phone, so I used Chelsea’s.”

“Where are you?”

“At the airport.”

Her voice catches. “You’re leaving? Did you speak to Jack?”

I’m too fucked off to speak to Jack right now and I don’t know why she’s mentioning him.

“I haven’t spoken to anyone.”

“But couldn’t Jack have asked his uncle to put in a good word for you?”

I frown at the dashboard.” What are you talking about?”

She lowers her voice like she’s afraid of someone overhearing. “Chelsea said Nathan Burrows introduced her to a Wing Commander called Halberg and his nephew at a party. His name was Jack and he was a cadet. He told Chelsea he knew you. Are you too proud to ask for help? Is that it?”

White-hot rage starts to build as I see exactly why Jack didn’t mention his relationship with a Senior Officer to me, or to the police.

“My pride is not the fucking problem,” I mutter.

She curses back at me down the line. “Then what is? He’s your friend, isn’t he? Why don’t you ask him and see what he says?”

I take a couple beats before I answer her. “It doesn’t work like that. There are channels to go through.”

She sighs heavily. “I have to go meet with the caterer. I called a cab and it’s here. I was hoping I could meet you too?”

I have to take a few calming breaths as I struggle to think past my anger. “I have somewhere else I need to be.”

Namely beating the truth out of my so-called friend.

“I wanted to do something to thank you and I plan to. If you won’t call Jack, I will. Chelsea said there’s a bar near the base. I’ll see if I can get him to talk to me.”

My heart rate triples as all the pieces fall into place. “Do not call him. And don’t tell him you know—"

But I’m talking to dead air. She’s already hung up.

Before I even need to think about it, I’m sliding the key back in the ignition