“Stop, stop, please…” Lutz was trying to get off the floor. “You’re killing me!”
Casey snorted even louder. “You’re already dead.” He tried to whisper, but not too effectively in the small room.”
“If you’re referring to the Captain’s career, Mr. Delgado, you’re right!”
Gen. Hardass dropped his hand and turned to face Marshmallow. “That’s Commander Delgado.” He said it even slower than I had spoken. “He is the Southwestern Regional Commander of Border Patrol. Address him with the respect due one of our other branch officers.”
The glaring match shifted from me to the two generals. Marshmallow caved first. “I apologize, Commander Delgado. Returning to the matter at hand. This hearing has gotten out of hand and the sarcasm will be noted in your file, Captain Castle.”
Casey stood up and leaned over my shoulder to the microphone. No smirk on his face. “That’s Captain Delgado, sir. You disrespect my rank and her religion. Our marriage is one thing I will not allow you to contest. Captain Del…gado.”
Lutz took up Casey’s snorting.
I took a deep breath, focusing on Hardass. “Sir, I have nothing else to say. Do as you will. I am tired and wish to go home for a few hours, before I must preside over the spiritual release of those who died.” I looked to Lutz. “Their souls have lingered here long enough.”
“Captain Delgado.” Hardass ignored the microphone. “We have heard enough. You are dismissed. See to your family and friends.”
I slowly stood up as he did, thankful to be released, though Marshmallow looked like he wanted to go a few more rounds. Hardass didn’t let him, walking around the table. My commander took a moment to snap out of his ‘what the hell is going on’ coma and jumped to his feet.
“Officers Delgado.” He addressed us both.
“General Marquez.” Casey squinted at him slightly as he extended his hand. “Is this over yet, or are you taking it to a full tribunal.”
Leave it to Casey to cut to the quick. Hardass gave him the same squint back, giving a firm handshake. “Based on what we’ve heard and without evidence to the contrary, it would be difficult to proceed to that extreme.”
“But I will be discharged, no matter what the decision, sir.” I didn’t hold out hope otherwise.
“That remains to be seen. It will take some deliberation. Not trying to be prejudiced, but you have to respect what it would be like if your base priest was suddenly promoted to the U.S. Cardinal position. The Marines would find it difficult to decide where he fits.”
“Understood, sir.”
Casey took my arm in his. “If I can take my wife home to rest, sir.”
“Of course.” He stepped out of my way. “Until you hear from us, you are released to medical leave. And your tribal duties. The U.S. Marines offer condolences to those your… the Earth People, lost in this unfortunate incident. I do not envy the task, as the Ci’in, you must face. Go, knowing we won’t interfere in your religious services.”
CHAPTER
38
As much as I wanted to go home and sleep, there was someone else who needed my attention. The Marines brought Sabrina out for Lutz’ military funeral. She’d been told the official story and helped to clear his affairs, all while we were still in the hospital.
It was quick, formal and cold. With papers signed, they expected her to go away. My mother intervened and took Sabrina to the last place Lutz had slept. Our apartment. Sabrina could feel him there, smell him on the pillow. In the clothes he’d left behind. It gave her more time to accept what had happened.
I had no doubt Lutz visited her there, when he wasn’t heckling my proceedings. But time was up. Chucky carried me up the stairs, since Casey couldn’t. I half-expected him to slam my head into the wall, but he didn’t. He put me down rather gently, backing off with no snide comment about needing to lose weight.
Casey took his place, wrapping his good arm around me. It was the first time I’d been back here. It felt weird knocking on my own door.
My mother answered, letting us in. Sabrina stood up from the sofa to greet me.
“I’m Beth, Brandon’s partner.”
Sabrina looked me up and down for a second. “I recognize you from the pictures Brandon sent.” Her arms gently wrapped around my shoulders. “Thank you.” Her voice cracked slightly. “I appreciate the time you’ve given me here.” She let me go, taking my hand and leading me to the sofa. She didn’t let go, helping as I eased myself down. “Are you sure you should be out of the hospital?”
“The infection is gone, the wounds closed. I just have to rebuild my strength.” I let out a breath and leaned back as Casey added a pillow behind me and sat on the sofa arm. “I’m more concerned about you, Sabrina. I’m so sorry this happened.”
She dropped her eyes. “He was a soldier. We talked about this a million times. Planned for the worst...”
“But never quite believed it would happen.”
She nodded. “I should have wrapped things up and moved out here sooner.” She plucked at some little piece of fuzz on her shirt, rolling it in her fingers. “It might have been that pebble in the ocean and he’d still be here.”
I didn’t try to suggest fate finding us, regardless. Lutz’ priorities might have changed all sorts of things we did. Our schedule might have shifted. I might not have noticed the second trail. We might not have run into the zombies. Not for a while yet.
“We can’t live our lives asking ‘what if’. He doesn’t want that. His Spirit wants you to find the peace to go on without regret.”
“I know.” She raised her head, looking around the apartment. “He said that to me before the last tour. No regrets. I just need
