“In a stunning development, General Johan Mueller, Co-chair of joint Command was arraigned on charges of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit sedition,” the reporter said. “The attempted murder was against Colonel Rik Heron and Major Vincent Greven in their home in front of a room full of people. He was also charged for instigating the attack on the same men in the Central Market. The motive for these attacks was not disclosed. The prosecutor, Joint Command and the alleged victims have had no comment.”
“Did anyone call for a comment?” I asked.
“Oh yeah,” Bobby replied. “You were in the shower. I told them we only talk to Ms. Kramer.”
I wasn’t sure if we would be allowed to talk to her about any of it, but that was as good an answer as any.
“There were cameras at the end of the driveway,” Maximilian said. “Your neighbors took exception to their presence and moved them along.”
“Good for them,” Vincent said.
Shortly after the report, Remak was coming through the door laden with shopping bags. A huge rucksack was on her back.
“Good evening,” she said. “Julian, here’s your bag.”
“You brought a lot of food,” Vincent commented.
“Actually, these are from Mrs. Forrester and Schmidt,” she replied. “They came into the office to make sure you had enough food.”
“That would feed all of us for days,” I said. “What kind ladies.”
“I’ll set out a meal,” Remak said.
“I’ll take a quick shower and change,” Maximilian said.
I waited for Remak to return from the kitchen. She had a lot more to say, and I wondered if it was disturbing news.
“Report, Lieutenant,” I said mildly as she set out the bowls and platters of food.
“General Braun forced the public laying of charges so that General Mueller’s cohorts would abandon him,” she said.
“That would mean that we are safe,” Vincent observed.
“I believe it does,” I agreed. “What troubles you, Ouida?”
“I’m not troubled, sir...Rik. It’s just that you’ve both had a trauma and I am now to summon you to Major Raden’s funeral on Saturday,” she said quietly.
“I see,” I said. “There’s no help for that. Besides, Joint Command needs a solemn event to restore its dignity. We need to be front and center to show all is well.”
Vincent sighed. “I don’t have a dress uniform.”
“I believe you burned it,” Remak said.
“Yes, yes,” Vincent muttered.
I kissed him on the top of the head.
“I can bring you one easily enough tomorrow,” Remak said. “I just need your measurements.”
“Okay,” Vincent said quietly.
“I have a new suit,” Bobby said. “I’ll go with you.”
Thus, two days later, we stood in the Hero’s Section of the Military cemetery in our finest attire. Vincent didn’t look girly in his dress uniform any more. His height and broader shoulders made him quite a handsome sight. The hat was adorable, but I didn’t tell him.
It was a cold bright morning – so cold, I wondered how the hole was properly dug. Along with our squad and Bobby, there was the big brass, members of the Foundation and the civilian government. I think they all viewed the funeral as a burial of the old militaristic ways and the beginning of a new era. All of it was covered by a huge media presence.
It was a beautiful ceremony. Kind words were said haunting, somber music was played. There was even a 21-gun salute. Raden would have loved it.
There were invitations to dine from all the factions at the funeral. I declined on behalf of us both. My lover looked delicious in his uniform and I meant to have him in it before the garments met the same fate as the first uniform. Besides, Vincent’s patience and decorum were waning. I needed to get him out of there.
Ms. Kramer found us before we reached the car. She looked very tasteful and respectful in a black suit.
“You both look well,” she said. “Hello, Bobby.”
“Hi,” he said turning red.
“We’re well,” I said.
“I was going to have lunch with the squad,” she said. “Are you going?”
“No, Vincent and I need some quiet,” I said. “We’re still a little raw.”
“May I go to lunch?” Bobby asked suddenly. “I’m not ready to go home yet.”
“I’ll take him,” Ms. Kramer said. “Wait, let me get a shot of you three. You all look so handsome. It’s for you, not for the broadcast.”
“Okay,” I said.
We posed for a few snaps before she and Bobby headed off.
“Come home with Lt. Remak,” Vincent said. “Don’t get drunk.”
“I won’t...bye.”
“Let’s talk soon. I hear Bobby promised me another interview.”
I didn’t spare a comment, because I was shoving Vincent in the car.
The first thing Vincent tried to do when we got home was take off the hat. I stopped him.
“No. I want you in the whole thing,” I whispered pressing him against the door. “You look incredible in it.”
“Leave yours on, then” He gasped. “I’ve wanted you in it forever.”
Words failed me, so I grabbed him and kissed him. A few moments of intense groping made it clear that our uniforms were not made for sexual activity. I would have to be content with peeling Vincent out of his. I pulled him to the bedroom then gently shoved him onto the bed.
“Wait...Rik, wait,” He said breathlessly. “Can I take off your gloves?”
“My gloves?”
He nodded. He was watching my hands intently. His breathing was labored.
“I’ve wanted to do that for so long...”
Vincent’s expression and his tone made me groan. I held out my hand. He closed his eyes as he took it and stroked the back of it against his cheek. His eyes slowly opened as he turned my hand then slowly stripped the white glove completely off. Before releasing the left hand, he placed a reverent kiss in the center of my palm then traced each of my fingers with his tongue. My knees nearly buckled by the time he removed the right glove. My patience fled with one look at those lust dazed golden eyes.
I pushed him flat on the mattress, hat and all. I took the boots off, so I could get rid of the pants. My lover was very accommodating. He spread his legs and stretched himself while I was trying to get out of my own boots and pants.
“Oh, god, you aren’t helping,” I growled as I pushed inside him. “This may be the shortest ride yet.”
“I don’t care,” he wailed. “Fuck me, Rik!”
It was brief but really intense. I couldn’t take much of him writhing beneath me still in his hat and tailored jacket. And the way he was fixated on my face, I could tell he felt the same way. We came hard then collapsed in a debauched heap of formal blue fabric. Long moments later, we peeked at each other and laughed. Somehow, we still had our hats on.
***
Bobby came home late in the afternoon while we were prepping food for supper. His cheeks were flushed, but that seemed to be more from the cold than from beer. He was carrying himself normally as he sat down at the table producing a large manila envelope.
“Ms. Kramer had these developed before we went to lunch,” he explained. “And she had the photos from the picnic.”
All of the photos were gorgeous. I really liked the ones from the funeral, but there were a few from the picnic that made my eyes mist. I never believed I could look that happy. Vincent smiled at the shots while his cheeks flushed. He looked at me almost shyly then put the envelope away.
“We’ll have to get some frames,” he said.
“Did you have fun?” I asked.
“Yes, those guys are great,” Bobby said. “And Ms. Kramer tells some funny stories.”
“Not bad, little brother. Half a date and you’re only 17,” Vincent quipped.
“Half a date?” Bobby asked.
“On a full date, you get to b
e alone with the lady and you’re the one paying,” I said.
“Oh, well, maybe next time,” he said distractedly. “Guys...I...I want to join the Program. I want to be like you.”
Vincent blinked at his brother. Then he bristled.
“Are you drunk?” He demanded.
“No...I didn’t finish the one beer I ordered,” Bobby replied. “I want to go into the Program, but I want to wait until I finish school next year. That way, I can spend time with you and Rik.”
“Are you absolutely sure,” I asked gently.
He looked at us both with solemn eyes. His expression was as set and determined as Vincent’s on any day in the military.
“One of the guys from regular Special Ops said that Altereds made them feel safe enough to be brave,” he replied. “I can’t think of a better path for my life.”
After a long moment, Vincent sighed. Then he nodded. It was a wise compromise. By then, some of the new protocols would be in place. And Bobby would have a huge leg up in training from working with us. And we could hardly fault him for finding us to be good examples. He pulled Bobby up from the table for a long embrace.
“Why don’t you change, so you can help with supper,” Vincent suggested when they parted.
“Sure.”
I pulled Vincent into my arms once we were alone. He held me tight for a moment.
“He’ll be fine, love,” I said against his ear. “He’ll probably adjust better than we did.”
Vincent was quiet for a moment. Then he looked up at me and smiled.
“He’ll probably make general in record time,” he said finally.
We settled into a comfortable silence at the table despite Bobby’s announcement. I looked at Vincent as he prepped the delicate slices of meat with what seemed to be a complicated dry rub. The red and gold light from the livingroom hearth caught and reflected in his hair. His tawny skin seemed golden as well. His features were soft. Hardcase had changed. There was no restlessness or anger in him. He mirrored how I felt. We were content. I took advantage of his meat-covered hands to steal a brief but clingy kiss from that lush, sweet mouth. He laughed softly as I pulled away. The light in his eyes danced merrily. I smiled feeling incredibly buoyant inside. We had made it. No matter what else happened, I knew for certain that I would hold him in my arms for all the rest of our days.
The End
A Soldier’s Passion Page 22
