Thinking about the passage of time, Leaper was happy that Kerry was contented. The Marine Mammal dolphins were doing great. Kerry had received approval for treatment with the preventive vaccine, which ended up being a cure too, and she was over the moon with the dolphins’ response. The Marine Mammal bottlenose dolphins were going back to their regular routines, and Kerry was spreading news of the vaccine to the other facilities where she’d volunteered. She’d also published a series of articles on the entire process, from discovery to healing—with Command’s approval, of course—and the doctor from Greenland had joined in on several of the formal discussions. He was up for several research awards for his achievements.
The loudspeaker squealed, making many in the audience cover their ears until it stopped.
“Sorry for the interference, folks. Now, for her outstanding work in the field of marine mammal preservation of life and her dedicated service in a time of crisis, we would like to recognize Dr. Kerry Rose Hamilton,” said Admiral Dale as he presented Kerry with a wood-and-brass plaque. “Would you like to say a few words?”
Kerry shook hands with him and accepted the award. “I’d like to thank Admiral Dale, Navy Command, our Marine Mammal Director, and the veterinary staff. I’d also like to thank the Foundation, which continues to support research and a healthy marine mammal community. I couldn’t have made such progress without the assistance of Dilly Quinn and Clay Jones. Ms. Quinn assisted with the sample collection, processing, and data analysis. Morbillivirus has had a devastating effect on our dolphin and whale populations, but with continued inoculations and a diligent Marine Mammal force, we will stop the progress in its tracks. The vaccine has recently been modified, and I’m pleased to say that it’s now being passed on through shared feeding grounds.”
Leaper’s eyes caught hers. Her smile warmed him to his soul. His love for her made him feel both vulnerable and invincible, and he wouldn’t trade those warring feelings for anything on the planet. Gich had once told him, “True partnership checks off the ‘risk it all’ category so there’s a lot more on the line emotionally and physically. It’s the best and worst of extremes and experiences. But relationships—good ones—are a rare gift, and they’re worth it. Hold on to the good tightly.” Adding fidelity and chemistry to this blew his mind. Leaper couldn’t agree more.
Kerry’s voice carried out to the audience. “I’d like to extend my personal and professional gratitude to Navy SEAL Leaper Lefton for his support and to commend his foresight and intuition in contributing to the safety and well-being of myself and our marine mammals. I dedicate this award to him.” She clapped one hand against the back of the plaque, and the audience joined in.
She sat down next to Admiral Dale as the Director of the Marine Mammal Program went to the lectern and called Adam Forrest forward to recognize him with a Merit of Excellence award. Next, the Director handed out certificates to the techs and volunteers. “Our plans for the future include a more widespread public-awareness campaign. We will have an active social media presence through the Marine Mammal Foundation to keep everyone looped in on important endeavors, such as our vaccine program, wellness efforts, and preservation of life and training processes. On behalf of the Navy, our marine mammals, staff, volunteers, and all of our supporters, we’d like to thank you for attending our program today.”
There was loud clapping. A few hoots of support and a couple of cheers added to the jubilation.
Leaper’s eyes followed Kerry as colleagues and coworkers surrounded her, offering words of praise. If the smile on her face was any indication, she was one happy camper. He was pleased for her. It had been a long road to this celebratory moment, and he had no doubt they would get through the trials and tribulations. He supposed that’s what separated achievers from doubters: the will to persevere. The SEAL Ethos spoke of honor and courage and never quitting. Leaper believed in those values, and to have a woman by his side with the same moral dedication blew his mind.
Admiral Dale pulled away from the pack of people and walked toward him. “Lefton, you received the materials I sent you?”
“Yes, thank you, Admiral Dale. I have the packet, and I appreciate your assistance and your offer.” Leaper said, somewhat formally.
“After everything we’ve been through, call me Walter.” The “off-duty” part was understood.
“Walter. Call me Leaper.” The men shook hands. “Hey, did you catch the Army-Navy game?”
“Yeah, Army kicked Navy’s ass. Sad day for sailors everywhere.”
* * *
The ceremony was fairly standard, the usual pomp and circumstance, but lovely all the same. It wasn’t often that Kerry found herself the center of attention. She didn’t need the recognition, though. The fact that the dolphins were recovering was the best possible reward.
Kerry squinted up at the sun, wishing she hadn’t left her sunglasses in the car. She clutched the plaque under one arm so she could embrace friends and shake hands, but she was ready to put the event behind her. She was more comfortable around Leaper and the mammals.
Relief flooded her as the crowd thinned. She didn’t necessarily care for large-style events. It was another thing that she and Leaper had in common.
A familiar voice called to her. It was Emme. Kerry was shocked when her fickle friend approached her full of hugs and warm accolades. The last time they’d spoken, it had been to fight. She’d made a point of discouraging Kerry from making waves.
“Kerry, congrats, my friend,” Emme said, “Hey, listen, I’m sorry for what I said about the dolphins. I didn’t understand, not the danger they were in or your relationship with them. This is just a job to me. For you, it’s, like, your whole world. I hope you’ll forgive me.”
“Yes. Maybe it’s odd that work is a big part of what drives my spirit, but this is me. Why don’t we just start fresh.” Kerry knew there was redemption in making yourself vulnerable and reaching out. “Thanks for the apology. I’m not very good…with human beings.”
“You follow your heart.” Emme gestured at Leaper. “It looks like that personality trait is serving you well. He’s around quite a bit these days.”
“Yeah. He’s a very special soul.” She gazed at Leaper Lefton, the love of her life. He was so handsome in his uniform and even more desirable out of it. She smiled to herself, thinking of their naked time together. If someone had told her that she’d be walking around at home in her birthday suit and that he’d be chasing her around as if she were Aphrodite, she never would have believed it. They’d accomplished so much together too, both personally and professionally.
“I’ve got to run,” Emme said, interrupting Kerry’s thoughts. “I have a date with the Executive Officer of that submarine. He’s giving me ‘the tour.’”
“What about Admiral Dale?” asked Kerry. The man had begun to grow on her, and she had to give him credit. He’d certainly come through for the marine mammals.
“Walter? It didn’t work out. He wants something more serious, and I’m not ready to settle down. I’m living the dream.” Emme rocked forward on her feet, eager to get moving.
Kerry knew the single life wasn’t the one she wanted anymore. Her life with Leaper was far better than anything she’d ever imagined. But she wanted her friend to be happy and to do what was right for her. “Have fun.”
“Oh, I will.” Emme waved. She headed for a sailor dressed in his formal whites, standing off to the side. The man’s face was delighted. It was obvious he was already smitten with Emme.
“Go, Emme. Hope you find what you’re looking for.”
Kerry looked out at the horizon and pondered the events that had led to this moment. Leaper and Declan had taken down activists who had been instructed by Special Funding Director Joshua Boscher, saved San Diego and the surrounding waters from being eco-bombed by a potent and deadly drug, foiled the terrorist revenge plot of missiles and bombs by the disgruntled and not-de
ad Boscher, and actually received commendations from their bosses. Add in the amazing healing power of the dolphins, and all of those things had to be miracles.
Of course, there’d been quite a few mishaps along the way too, including Leaper’s overshare when they first met and he confessed to the Gabir story, the crazy unsanctioned dolphin-invader scenario near the Base Commander’s home, and the viral outbreak of the wild dolphins and its spread to the Marine Mammal dolphins. The search for samples, the contact with other labs, the vaccine/cure, the drama associated with everything… It was a lot to take in, especially in such a short time frame. Surviving had been a feat of sheer will, yet she’d go through it again. Kerry had known true companionship for the first time in her life.
How strange. She could never have imagined life unfolding this way.
Wasn’t that how things happened? Everyday tasks and experiences moved from ordinary to extraordinary in the blink of an eye, and all the preparation in the world didn’t matter in the least. There was no handbook for risking your heart or falling in love or challenging your preconceived views of your work and career. The best course of action for life appeared to be trusting your gut instincts and leaping. How appropriate it was that she was in love with a man who had leap in his first name! And if you landed on your ass, you dusted yourself off and tried again. Leaping into present possibilities was significantly better than sitting on the sidelines and dreaming of the future.
The dolphins knew the key elements to a joyful existence. They surfed the big waves, dove for fresh fish, enjoyed tasks and playtime, and sought camaraderie. Also, they were horniest bunch of marine mammals she’d ever seen in her life. But hey, primal drives are fundamental building blocks of life.
Kerry’s eyes sought Leaper, who was chatting with Admiral Dale. They were laughing. Raising her eyebrows, she wondered what they were talking about. She hadn’t thought her man got along with the brass very well.
“Congratulations, Dr. Hamilton,” said Dilly, grabbing her hand and shaking it. “You deserve this.”
“Thanks, and it’s Kerry, remember? Did you hear me mention your name up there?” Kerry asked. “Without those samples from the wild dolphins, I don’t know if I could have trusted the vaccine data. But our results matched those from the wild dolphins in waters surrounding Greenland.”
Dilly smiled. “I was touched by the accolade, and, uh, I think I have you to thank for the offer I just received from the Director of the Marine Mammal Program. If I want to stay on as a part-time vet tech, shadowing only you, I’ll receive a wage with an option to extend the position into full-time after I complete my studies and residency.”
Kerry nodded. “I admit it. I put in a good word. But it was your stellar work that earned your position. Anyone can take a job, but you’re making this into a passion and a career. I told them they would be fools to lose you. Besides, by the time you’re ready for full-time, I’ll probably be dialing back to part-time…or perhaps pursuing a few other life options.”
“You’ll never leave the dolphins,” said Dilly.
“No, but I’d like to make room in my life.” Her eyes were locked on Leaper, who shook Admiral Dale’s hand and was making his way over to them.
“Got it,” said Dilly, following Kerry’s gaze. “I’ll see you next week, Kerry.”
“Have a great weekend, Dilly.” She waved at the vet tech. Kerry was glad the talented and resourceful tech would be staying on. Some people had a special gift when it came to creature connection, while others couldn’t quite relate to the bond. Dilly was unique and a credit to her inquisitive mind, her family, and her school. Kerry had no doubt that Dilly’s contributions to the Marine Mammal Program would be astounding.
“Hi, there.” Leaper leaned in and briefly touched his lips to hers.
It was a quick kiss, yet electricity sparked her lips. “Are we ready to go home?”
“Almost. Only one more stop to make.” He held out his hand and she took it, linking her fingers through his. They wove their way through the parking lot until they reached her car. She tugged him close and kissed him in a soul-searing lip-lock. It was heavenly.
He mumbled against her mouth. “We can skip.”
“What?” she asked, pulling back.
“We don’t have to go.” His eyes were alight with heat, and she knew he wanted to get naked. There wasn’t time for a quickie, though. They needed to be on the Amphibious Base ASAP.
“Yes, we do. The trainees are getting a Bravo Zulu too,” Kerry chided him gently. “Tell you what—you get to pick the song as I race over to Coronado.”
“Deal.” He opened her door, and she slid behind the wheel. Leaper closed it behind her. His manners might be old-fashioned, but she loved it. To her, it was a sign of respect.
His fingers spun through his playlist until Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” filled her speakers. She knew those intro chords by heart and sang along with the lyrics. Leaper’s voice rose loudly with her own as they drove off the sub base and took back roads past the Marine Mammal base, over the bridge that the activists had used, past Lindbergh Field, and onto the I-5 until they reached the exit for the Coronado Bridge.
Her eyes strayed to the place where Leaper had talked the trainee, Quentin Kirkland Worthington, off the ledge. At their last visit to Balboa, the boy was still in a locked psych ward, but he’d seemed more aware of his surroundings. The stress of being a SEAL, a sailor, or any kind of military-inspired hero had lifted, and he seemed more at peace.
After spending his mornings in therapy and his afternoons in art therapy, he smiled more. He spoke of his mother visiting, and said that she lived only a few blocks away now.
A nurse had told Leaper and her that the Admiral—Quentin’s father—had been sighted at the hospital twice. All of these things had been good to hear.
In Kerry’s opinion, it was so rare to be able to catch an individual before tragedy struck. The line between what breaks us and what makes us stronger is a thin one, and knowing when to reach out for help is both lifesaving and empowering. If only our society rewarded awareness and acceptance of one’s mental learning curve, perhaps more individuals would reach out before it was too late. Life is very precious.
Things could have turned out so horribly. She was grateful for the blessing.
What did Leaper say? Know yourself so that others may count on you and know you too. It’s a warrior adage that becomes the basis of being a useful operator and Teammate.
Do I know myself? I’m a type of warrior, a heroine of my own life. She pondered the thought as they turned onto Orange Avenue. Yes, she decided. I accept myself as I am, and I’m excited to explore and grow and enjoy being me. She smiled as they zipped down the Silver Strand until they reached the Amphibious Base. The checkpoint was busy, clogged with bikers, walkers, and cars waiting for access.
Sailors in uniform directed traffic down to the grassy expanse where, Kerry had learned, many ceremonies took place. A podium, awning, and chairs were set up in an organized, military fashion, and Kerry was escorted to a chair in the first row as Leaper was led to the side.
A whistle sounded, and everyone took a seat. They were just in time.
The color guard approached carrying flags, and everyone stood. The pledge was spoken with great honor. Those who had served or were serving saluted, and the rest of the crowd stood with hands over their hearts. A prayer was read, and the speakers shared powerful and memorable messages.
Kerry’s eyes kept straying to Leaper. He was so handsome as he stood at attention. It was obvious he loved being a SEAL and serving his country. Kerry wanted his happiness to continue and would support him in whatever manner he asked. That thought shocked her, because she knew she’d move anywhere he did and do her work from wherever she lived. Yes, she was dedicated to her dolphins, but they were healing and there was more work to be done throughout the world. She knew she wou
ld always maintain a strong link to those she loved, but she was ready for more…with him.
When Declan Swifton took center stage, Kerry’s attention shifted to him. “I’ve been asked, as the Commanding Officer of BUD/S, to introduce our friends in the Terrorism Task Force: Michael Beckwith and Doug James.”
Two men joined Declan. His voice rang out clearly. “They’d like to present Commander Leaper Lefton of SEAL Team Special Forces with this certificate and medal for his efforts in terrorism prevention.”
Leaper approached. He saluted the brass and Declan, and then shook hands with the two men from the Terrorism Task Force. Accepting the proffered items, Leaper stepped aside as his five remaining recruits received small pins and certificates of recognition for their distinguished efforts.
Kerry liked the way Leaper looked on like a proud papa. He was nurturing that way. Her hand strayed to her belly for a split second. She hadn’t thought about having kids, but with Leaper, everything seemed possible.
Too soon, the audience was standing and the group at the front was filing out. She watched the parade walk past, in awe of the beauty and symmetry of the Navy. As the audience moved toward an area with food, she joined Leaper, who was in mid-discussion with the two men from the Terrorism Task Force.
“This is Michael Beckwith and Doug James, and I’d like to introduce my girlfriend, Dr. Kerry Hamilton,” said Leaper as he took her hand and brought her in closer. There was sweetness in his gesture.
She smiled at the men. “Nice to meet you, gentlemen.”
“We’re attempting to lure your boyfriend away from the Navy,” said the taller of the two men. “But he’s not biting.”
“Didn’t I see you at the Marine Mammal base with an FBI jacket?” she asked the shorter man.
“Yes, I’m Special Agent Beckwith. I’m assigned to the Terrorism Task Force. I didn’t speak with you that night, but I was there. Good call on the carfentanil. That’s nasty stuff.” He leaned forward. “How did you know…about the man in the boat?”
The Power of a SEAL Page 28
