The Road Not Taken

by Cindy Combs

  "That's good." There was a pause. "Now, how are you REEAAALLY doing?"

  There was another pause. "Guess you saw the news conference?"

  "Yeah."

  "Well, yeah, I had to do something."

  "You did good."

  "You think so?"

  "Yeah, Blair. That was the bravest act I have ever seen. I'm very proud of you."

  "Thanks, Dad."

  "How are you and Ellison doing?"

  There was another pause. Mac could pick out a conversation between Jim and Naomi about being out of tongue or something. "We're okay," Blair whispered. "Jim even told me I was the best cop he'd ever met and the best partner he could have."

  Even in a whisper, Mac could pick out the awed tones in his son's voice. "Well, Ellison is a smart man. Any idea what you're going to be doing now?"

  "Not a clue. I have to have my University office cleared out by Friday."

  "How do you feel about that?"

  "Well, you know, it's funny. While I wished it hadn't ended this way, and it would have been nice to have had those letters after my name, I feel okay about it. I realize now that I was getting rather disenchanted with the whole academic scene anyway. The last few days have just cemented it."

  "So, what do you want to do?"

  "I don't know. I rather doubt employers are going to be lining up outside my door after today. I mean, who wants to hire a fraud?"

  "The people who really know you won't believe you're a fraud," Mac pointed out. "In fact, Pete reminded me you still have an open offer to work for Phoenix."

  "That's still good?"

  "Of course it is. Pete knows talent when he sees it."

  "Well, I don't know "

  "You don't have to decided anything right now. Take a break, get your thoughts together. You're always welcomed to stay with me for a while. And you know you can always use Harry's cabin."

  "Harry's cabin sounds really good. I could spend some time away from people right now."

  Especially reporters. "It's yours. Just let me know when and I'll get you the key."

  "Thanks again, Dad."

  "Any time." Mac could hear Naomi in the background.

  "Hey, Dad, Naomi needs something, and Jim wants to talk with you."

  Before Mac could say anything, Jim was there. "Hi Mac."

  "Hey, how's the leg?"

  "All right. Blair helped me put the dial on zero point one."

  There was a pause. "Are you and Blair all right?"

  "Yeah. I promise you, Mac, I won't let Blair fall through the cracks. At least, not without me hanging on to him for dear life."

  Mac smiled in relief. "Got anything planned?"

  "The guys at the station are working on something."

  I was hoping they were. "Just know that if it doesn't work, the offer at Phoenix is still open for both of you."

  "Thanks, Mac."

  "Any time."

  "Hey Mac," Blair's voice came back on. "I'll let you know in a couple days about Harry's cabin, okay?"

  "Okay. And remember, if you need to talk, call me."

  "I know. Thanks, Dad."

  Mac thoughtfully hung up the phone. His son was going to be okay.

  I shall be telling this with a sigh

  Somewhere ages and ages hence;

  Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -

  I took the one less traveled by,

  And that has made all the difference.

  -- The Road Not Taken, by Robert Frost