CHAPTER THIRTY

"Well, that was quite a show, boys," smirked Shatnick.

"I have to say, I don't know if I could have scripted that any better," said Franklin. "We were able to get everything on drone video and send it to the POTUS. He's quite pleased with you, boys. The Americans, Japan, China, even South Korea have all reached out, offering to help the people of North Korea. They've refused all attempts."

"They've been brain-washed to believe no one can be trusted," said Conor. "It's not going to happen overnight, but maybe it will happen one day."

"Evidence shows that there is nothing left of the jet. Whoever pulled that one off, great fucking job," said Shatnick. "We don't have to worry about that for a while. I'm sure they'll attempt something again."

"The team in the air did an amazing job," said Dan. "Did they come back here?"

"They did, but only to refuel. They're on their way home, and so are you, boys. Your jet is waiting in the hangar. You know, I thought that when I retired, I would take up golf or some shit."

"Maybe pickleball," smirked Mike.

"Bite your fucking tongue," growled Shatnick. "No. I need something to keep me busy. I just might have to contact Luke and the boys. Maybe there's a place for an old dog like me."

"If there's a place for me, there's a place for you," smiled Doug from the back of the room.

"Doug! You're our ride home?" asked Conor.

"I am, young man. Let's go. I'm not as young as I used to be. Besides, you've got a girl waiting for you back home."

"Doug Graham?"

"That's me," grinned Doug, winking at the general.

"I'll be a son-of-a-bitch. Why do you look younger than me? You were an old man when I caught a lift from you in Karachi."

"Watch your mouth, boy," laughed Doug. "Thank you. I feel good, and these boys keep me young. You're doing well, Shatnick. Come see us when you retire. We won't forget what you've done for our boys here."

"What about me?" pouted Franklin.

"Well, we're careful with our spooks, but we've taken a few," winked Doug. "Let us know when you're ready. Let's go, boys. We're wasting time, and Mama Irene has a celebration planned."

"Who's Mama Irene?" said Shatnick and Franklin in unison.

The men could only laugh as they walked out of the building in the open and seen. The jet was fueled, ready, and all eyes were staring at the strange bird. When they were in the air, the men were able to send messages to their loved ones, letting them know they were coming home.

Tanner sat quietly, watching out the window as his homeland disappeared. He felt the presence of his parents, but it wasn't as heavy as it once had been. It was lighter, freer.

"You good?" asked Hiro.

"Yeah, man. I'm better than I have been in a while. I could have never dreamed that Park was the one that killed my parents. I guess fate has a way of making everything alright."

"Fate or Mama Irene," grinned Hiro.

"No. No, you don't think she had anything to do with this. Do you?" frowned Tanner.

"Brother, I don't know. All I know is that woman seemed to know when I needed a tie to family before I did. Then suddenly, my grandfather's ghost shows up thousands of miles from the location of his death. Tell me that's not fate, or witchcraft, or voodoo."

"Maybe it is," smirked Tanner. "But you know what? I don't give a shit. I feel amazing, and I can't wait to get home to Micaela and Mattie. This was a good day, and the good guys won."

"Fucking right," said Dan, handing each of the men a bottle of beer. He raised the bottle, nodding at his teammates. "Good guys won today. THE good guys. We might not have changed a nation, but we damn sure altered their course. Hooyah!"

"Hooyah!" yelled the men.

Erica rolled over in the bed, the sunlight blasting through. It was higher in the sky than usual. She looked at the clock and gasped.

"10:35!"

Leaping from the bed, she walked across the hallway to find her daughter's bed empty. Her stomach dropped, seeing the messed-up bed beside her. Then she heard laughter. Big, booming laughter and her daughter's soft giggles. Slowly walking down the hallway, she stopped to see an enormous man holding her daughter at the kitchen table. He was feeding her pancakes and bacon, making motorboat sounds as she giggled with each bite.

"Don't look now," he whispered, "but I think Mama is up."

"Good morning," she said quietly. "I'm Erica."

"Yes, I know," he laughed. "I didn't know that last night, but this morning Mama Irene came by and explained it all to me. I'm Moose. I mean, Major."

"I like Moose. I mean, the others said that's your name. It seems to fit. You're big and wide like a moose." He laughed, shaking his head. A woman who finally liked his call name better than his real name. "We'll pack our things. Mama Irene said she could give us another cottage."

"Actually, the crib is here, and my little princess seems to like it here. I have that extra room if you don't mind me staying in there."

"No," she said, shaking her head walking toward him. "No, I'll stay in there. You should have your big bed back."

"You're my guest. The other bed is just fine. Besides, I don't think I've ever had sweeter dreams than I did last night watching this beauty sleep. She's absolute perfection." Erica laughed a small, nervous laugh, shaking her head.

"You don't know who I am, do you?"

"I know exactly who you are." His face was serious, staring at her. Moose realized how very young she looked, although Mama Irene said she was twenty-four or twenty-five. "You are not your parents, Erica. You're your own woman."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome," he smiled. "Now, my only requirement is that at least once a week, you play that big cello over there for me. Sort of like taming the savage beast."

"I can do that," she nodded.

"Listen," he said, standing with Jennifer in his arms. "You can stay here as long as you want. I won't hurt you or Jennifer. I've just had a rather awful break-up, so I'm glad for the distraction of having you both here."

"Are you sure? She can get very loud when she wants something," said Erica.

"Good for her. She's learning to use her voice early. I like that. I like a girl who stands up for herself." Erica frowned, then looked down at her feet. She hadn't stood up for herself at all. "Hey. Circumstances are different for everyone. You've done the right thing by being here. Besides, I learned a little while ago that your troubles are over."

He grabbed the television changer and turned the TV on. The news was blasting photos and video of what was happening in North Korea, announcing the death of their alleged president, General Park.

Moose watched Erica as the breath left her body in a huge gust of relief. She nodded, then looked up at him.

"Can you hold her while I shower?"

"All day, every day," he said, staring down at the huge almond eyes. "My arms are made for holding sleeping beauties." He watched as Erica went back down the hallway, closing the door to his bedroom. Her bedroom. Jennifer patted his cheek, feeling the rough whiskers of his beard.

"Well, kiddo, I guess we're about to embark on an adventure."

When the jet landed, the wives were anxiously waiting for the return of their men. The men were no different. Some returned to their cottages. Others went straight to the grove to celebrate with the others.

"You did it," said Sydney, smiling at Conor. He kissed her passionately, holding her tightly to his body.

"We did it. It's done, and now, we wait to see what happens."

"Mama Irene, your mother, and grandmother have been busy planning our wedding," she grinned. "In case you're wondering, the cake will be a lemon cake."

"Don't care," he said, shaking his head. Sydney frowned at him. "All I care about is that you're going to be Mrs. Conor Quinn."

"I like the sound of that name," she smiled. "Now, why don't you take me to bed and show me all those wonderful things you're going to do to my body? I've been reading a lot of Charlie's books this week. I think I'm ready."

Conor's dick immediately went hard, and he lifted Sydney in his arms, carrying her home. They were going home.

"We have more coming, don't we," smiled Martha at Claudette and Irene.

"We do, we do," grinned Irene. "I think our Moose and Erica are off to a good start. We gotta bring them boys, Franklin and Shatnick, here. Then, the boys from Conor's team. What were their names, Claudette?"

"Johnson and Dieter, Mama."

"Johnson and Dieter. Good boys. They'll fit right in here." Luke, Cam, and Eric stood off to the side, listening to the three women.

"How in the hell do they know those names?" asked Eric. Luke shrugged, shaking his head.

"Do we want to know that?" Cam stared at his friends, shaking his head.

"I damn sure don't."