Holding Their Own XI: Hearts and Minds

by Joe Nobody

The Alliance’s leader had also dropped numerous hints that she would like for Terri to be the diplomat’s liaison. “I need someone like you who can keep him out of our hair and cool his jets if a problem does come up. Besides, it will give us a chance to work together again.”

  To be honest, the job didn’t sound all that intriguing. Hunter was going to be walking any time now, her son crawling like a little beach crab and constantly getting into anything he could reach. He was also talking up a storm when it suited a need.

  Hunter needed his mother and father, and Terri knew that Bishop’s return to government service was going to result in travel and danger. He might be away for days, even weeks at a time.

  The thought of having to spend her time with some stuffy, old blowhard wasn’t very appealing.

  Terri buttoned a conservative, dark blue skirt that broadcasted, “No nonsense, professional woman,” checked her hair, and then strapped Hunter into a borrowed stroller. The kid looked good in his best outfit.

  It was only a few blocks to the courthouse, mother and son enjoying the cool breeze that signaled that autumn might finally break what had been a punishing blister of a summer.

  She could see several vehicles parked in the council members’ reserved spots, the need for such marked spaces another sign of the ongoing recovery. As she pushed the baby buggy to the front steps, she spied Pete sauntering down the sidewalk.

  “Terri!” the councilman shouted. “Good to see you’re back from New Mexico!”

  After a quick round of hugs, checking on Hunter’s progress, and a few pleasantries, Pete helped her maneuver the wheeled carrier up the steps.

  Terri nodded to a security man outside, recognizing him as one of her escorts from the Land of Enchantment. With a motion of her hand and a wink, she zipped her lips and threw away the key.

  Pete saw it. “What was that?” the councilman asked after they had passed through the main entrance.

  “Nothing,” she grinned. “I don’t know why, but sometimes people just feel the need to share secrets with me.”

  Knowing he wasn’t going to get a real answer… and not really caring, Pete let it go. The trio continued toward the main council chambers where a background of voices signaled the reception was well underway.

  Terri decided to keep Hunter with her rather than utilize the daycare room. The child would provide an excellent excuse for her to skip out on the festivities early. Maybe Bishop would be home tonight.

  Everyone was there, the elected council members, General Owens, and a lot of folks Terri had never met. Someone had provided a case of wine, Pete’s brewery no doubt the source of more potent libations. A bartender in the corner, complete with Western string tie, was busy filling glasses and mugs.

  With Hunter on her hip, Terri made for the center of the room. Diana was there, alongside a stronger-looking Nick. They were holding court with a stranger who had his back to the door.

  Terri began sizing up the delegate from the United States immediately. Almost as tall as Nick, no one could miss him, especially since he was the only man wearing a suit jacket. Even so, he seemed to exude a sense of confidence and familiarity. She was struck by the relaxed laughter drifting from the trio, as if the visitor had been well received by her comrades.

  As Terri approached, Diana said, “Oh, there she is now,” to the stranger, who turned to face Terri. The young mother almost dropped Hunter.

  “Chase? Chase McGuire?”

  “Terri? I’m…. oh, my God… I had no idea Miss Brown was talking about that Terri,” he stammered.

  Diana exchanged puzzled glances with Nick and then responded. “You two know each other?”

  “Oh… ummm, as a matter of fact, yes,” Terri answered, now embarrassed by her reaction. “We were students at A&M at the same time.”

  Chase appeared to have heard none of her words, his eyes glued onto Terri as if he was hypnotized. “You haven’t changed a single bit,” he finally mumbled. “Still as stunning as ever. What a small world.”

  “Yes,” Nick repeated, clearly intrigued. “What a small world.”

  The man appeared completely enthralled with Terri’s presence, his eyes refusing to look elsewhere. The attention was obviously making her uncomfortable. Diana tried to come to the rescue, “I didn’t know you graduated from A&M,” she said.

  “I didn’t,” Terri responded with a smile, thankful someone had finally said something. “My mom got sick, and I had to move back to Houston. I finished my last year at the University of Houston.”

  The question also seemed to snap Chase out of his spell. “Terri was the one who got away,” he explained to Nick. “We were so young then. I didn’t know what was important in life.”

  Then to recover, the U.S. Ambassador redirected the party’s attention to Hunter. “And this strong-looking young man… this is your son?”

  As he was prone to do, the child decided to be shy at that moment, squirming away and hiding his face in his mother’s hair. “Yes, this is Hunter,” Terri said, kissing the babe’s head. “He’s going to be walking soon.”

  Pete and another councilmember wandered up just then, relieving Terri of her position as the center of attention. The change in dynamic also allowed her time to study a man she hadn’t seen for over 15 years.

  Chase had always caught the female eye. Just shy of 6’5”, and ruggedly handsome, he was well known around the university as the captain of the swim team and one of the most desirable bachelors on campus.

  Terri had accepted his offer of accompanying him to an Aggies football game just to make her friends jealous. She had been sure he was a jerk at best, most likely a complete ass. Anyone that good looking had to be self-centered, right?

  That initial perception had been incorrect. In fact, she soon discovered he was quite insecure, a young man certain that his life’s ambitions far exceeded his grasp. Over the next semester, she’d found him a serious student who desperately wanted a career in politics.

  He’d not been accepted into West Point, the first step of what she later learned was a detailed plan of ascent through the ranks of elected office. Texas A&M had been a second choice, a setback that had shaken the ambitious young man to the core.

  The detour had only been temporary however. After graduating with a law degree, he began a short, but honorable stint in the military before entering public life. That impeccable resume, combined with his good looks, warming smile, and endless aspirations would one day lead to the oval office, or so he dreamed.

  Terri couldn’t relate at the time. She wanted to work in the corporate environment – travel, and experience the world. Politics was boring. Having to keep your nose squeaky clean for fear of future background checks seemed a misplaced priority and a symptom of borderline paranoia. She wanted to meet a nice, young man who worshipped the ground she walked upon, get married, buy a little pink house, and raise 2.3 children and a dog.

  Yet, the two had connected at some level.

  She had surprised herself by agreeing to a second date. The next year had been a whirlwind of classes, dances, parties, and intimate evenings at Chase’s apartment.

  When Rita had become ill, Terri had handled the situation poorly. Chase’s reaction had been even less diplomatic, seemingly unable to relate her mother’s sickness to the need to finish school closer to home. He never came to Houston to visit, never called. She, being just as stubborn, refused to be the first to pick up the phone. The passage of time, life events, and the world in general had dulled both of their memories.

  Now, he was here, in Alpha, still as tall and athletic as ever, still possessing that same killer smile. While she had a million questions soaring through her mind, one thing was certain. Chase had made it to the Oval Office, at least close enough to sit in the chair when the president wasn’t looking.

  Diana pulled her aside under the pretense of getting a drink. “What a charmer, right? I had no idea you knew him. What an amazing coincidence. Tell me. Tell me everything. Were you lovers? Wh
at happened?”

  Terri picked up her glass of wine and took a sip before answering. “Really, Diana, it was sooo long ago, and it was not a big deal at all. The highlight of the whole relationship was tailgating at the Aggies’ football games. I remember him as a nice guy who had some pretty lofty political ambitions, and that’s about it.”

  The Alliance’s leader was savvy and wise. She didn’t fall for her friend’s smokescreen, not for a single heartbeat. “No way. I saw the way the two of you looked at each other. Come on, woman; spill the beans. And that’s an order.”

  Nick appeared just then, rescuing Terri from what was sure to be a relentless interrogation.

  “I think you have an admirer,” the big man whispered as if he was clueing both of the girls in on a secret. “As a matter of fact, since you’ve arrived, he’s acted more like a love-struck puppy than a representative of the White House.”

  “You can say that again,” Diana chimed in with an evil smile. “He was drooling so much, I was going to offer him one of Hunter’s bibs.”

  “Come on guys, knock it off. We’re old friends, that’s all.”

  “Uh huh,” Nick teased. “Whatever you say, little ‘Miss One-who-got-away.’”

  Before she could set the big man straight, Chase separated himself from the gaggle of locals and strolled to Terri’s side. This time, he managed to maintain a more professional demeanor, but just barely.

  “I’ve heard so much from the president regarding your husband,” he opened. “It seems they have quite the history together. I was hoping to meet him. Is Bishop here this evening?”

  “No, but I expect him home any time now,” Terri said just a little too fast. “He’s off on a mission for the Alliance with his team.” She was glad Bishop had finally entered the conversation, even if only in abstention.

  “A lot of the people in this room fought beside Bishop after the collapse, Miss Brown and me included,” Nick chimed in. “If the Alliance ever builds any statues to celebrate its heroes, Bishop’s will probably be the first.”

  “He saved my church and congregation from some very vicious men,” Diana added. “I wouldn’t claim he was our version of Ben Franklin, but he would definitely be on the short list invited to sign the Declaration of Independence.”

  While Nick didn’t possess Terri’s uncanny skills to negotiate, nor Diana’s laser-like focus, that didn’t mean the warrior was completely unperceptive. He sensed that Chase didn’t really want to talk about Bishop, at least not in the current context.

  “The president was telling me several stories about both their pre and post-collapse relationship,” Chase replied, his voice carrying a tone that implied, “Don’t coat this guy in sugar. I’ve heard a lot of bad things, too.”

  “Bishop’s not perfect, that’s for sure,” Nick replied. “Like any of us, he’s made his share of mistakes.”

  Not Chase, Terri thought. Chase probably hadn’t made any mistakes. And that had always been the problem, hadn’t it?

  The gathering continued, small numbers of guests clustering here and there, most of the politically active individuals trying to make the rounds and leave no social stone unturned.

  Hunter was obviously a hit, but before long, the youngest attendee was showing signs of fatigue. Mom decided it was a good time to skedaddle.

  Making one last round to voice her good nights and best wishes, Hunter was easy to strap into the stroller. “You and I will take a little walk, big boy. I’m sure you’ll be out like a light in less than three blocks,” she said, tucking the lad’s favorite blanket around his chest. “You’re just like your dad, not a party animal by any means. And that’s why I love you.”

  Wheeling Hunter toward the courthouse’s main entrance, Terri hoped someone would be around to help her carry the contraption down the steps. She was sure one of the security men would lend a hand.

  The sound of footsteps from behind altered her plan. “Let me help you with that,” sounded Chase’s voice. “I’ve been dying to speak with you privately all evening. I thought you’d never leave,” he added with a wink.

  While Terri was tired, she had her own curiosities and questions. She could count on one finger the times she had run into an old lover, especially since society took a nosedive. She decided not to shoo him away.

  “You look like you’ve weathered the apocalypse well,” she said with a friendly smile. “How have you been?”

  He didn’t answer immediately, focused on gently carrying Hunter’s carrier down the steps before peering into Terri’s eyes. “I managed to pull through. You, however, are more stunning than I remember. Who knew the evaporation of society could be good for some people?”

  Terri laughed at the compliment as she began pushing Hunter down the sidewalk. “I’m going to enjoy the cool air this evening with a short stroll,” she said. “You’re welcome to join me. I think the walk will put Hunter out for the evening.”

  Shrugging, Chase stepped quickly to join her stride. “So what happened to your mother? Tell me about Houston, please. I’ve thought to look you up… or try to call… or search on Facebook a thousand times.”

  “But you never did,” she said with a little more edge than intended. And then, softer, “It’s okay. I married a wonderful, kind man who I love with all of my heart and soul. We wouldn’t have made it without each other.”

  “I’m so happy to hear that. I married as well, but my better half was in Washington when the riots broke out. She was a senator’s daughter, and neither she nor her father survived the violence. “

  Sadness momentarily veiled Terri’s eyes, “I’m sorry, Chase. So many have lost loved ones. We’re both lucky to still be here and in one piece.”

  He shook his head, “Survival is one thing, but from what I can see, you’ve thrived. I kept hearing about Terri and Diana, the Alliance’s iron maidens. If you listen to the guys in Washington talk, Miss Brown and you are demons disguised as supermodels. You’ve obviously made quite an impact on the recovery. I have to say that I am impressed, since you were the girl who wanted nothing to do with the political process, as I recall,” he chuckled.

  Terri flushed a little red, but not much. “We’ve had our days for sure. It’s rarely dull around here, and that’s the way I like it.”

  “So what happened after you left A&M? And how did you meet Bishop?”

  The questions prompted more blood to rush to her cheeks. “After graduation, I wanted to get into finance, but the economy was so bad the only thing I could find was an entry-level position in the banking business as a teller. You’d think I would meet a lot of people in a job like that, but I really didn’t happen upon anyone I was interested in,” she paused to adjust the stroller on the sidewalk, taking the moment to compose her thoughts before continuing. “I guess I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I met Bishop through an online dating service. I knew after our first date he was the love of my life.”

  When Chase didn’t respond, Terri decided to do a little catching up herself. “Enough about me, though. I see you finally made it to Washington. ‘Fess up, young man… how did it all happen?”

  He shrugged, “I graduated and joined the Army. They wanted to assign me to the Judge Advocate General’s office, but I wanted the infantry. I won and served two tours before resigning my commission. I met my soon-to-be wife at one of her father’s political rallies. The rest, as they say, was history. She was a good woman, and I miss her very much.”

  They continued walking in silence, both second-guessing the wisdom of sharing so much so quickly. The thin, crisp air of the high altitude town was a joy, however, and soon both of their moods improved.

  “I always heard the stars out here were spectacular,” Chase noted, his head tilted toward the sky. “It’s hard to believe I spent all those years in College Station and never made it this far west. I guess I missed out.”

  “The skies here are remarkable,” Terri responded, pausing to study the Milky Way’s nearly solid carpet of twinkling white. />
  Chase turned to her and said, “The stars aren’t the only thing I missed out on. Look at you. I still can’t believe this.”

  Bishop paused, unsure of what to do next.

  An unhappy Sheriff Watts had deposited the team less than ten minutes ago, just down Main Street from the courthouse.

  Being a curious sort, he thought to gather a little personal Intel regarding all the lights on in the courthouse at such a late hour. It was clear from the number of cars and trucks parked nearby that some sort of shindig was in process. There might even be trays of those little sandwiches… or toothpicks with little pieces of meat… or a cold beer. Now, that would certainly be a fitting welcome for a man back from a mission to defend his country, he mused.

  A quick sniff of his armpits discouraged crashing the festivities. He’d been in the field for four days, and it had been dusty, hot, sweaty work at that. A shower was priority one. He’d rinse off his gear with a garden hose if one were around. No doubt his wife would appreciate the gesture.

  Besides, the well-heeled political class of the Alliance probably wouldn’t welcome some guy in a full combat load barging into their gathering. He’d ask one of Nick’s guys guarding the front door if Terri was back. They’d know which guesthouse she had been assigned.

  The Texan’s next problem had been remembering where he’d parked his truck. He was dying to strip off some of the weight he’d been carrying around during his tour of Palo Dura. It would probably improve his aroma as well.

  At that moment, the love of his life rounded a corner… with some big guy… talking and laughing while meandering down the street and pushing a baby buggy. He started to call out, to greet the woman he’d missed so very badly. But something was off. Terri was nervous, uptight, stressed. He could tell by his wife’s stride and the way she held her shoulders.

  It’s probably some government thing, he considered. Maybe I shouldn’t interrupt. Could be an important negotiation or some shit.

  Without thinking, his legs began to follow his wife and the stranger. He was a big dude, obviously well dressed. Bishop judged the man towered just over 6’4”, probably topping the scale somewhere between 240 and 250. Not in Nick or Butter’s weight class, but not a little feller by any means.