Shadow Tier: 2nd Edition by Steve Stratton

Author:Steve Stratton [Stratton, Steve]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pratton Media
Published: 2024-02-02T00:00:00+00:00

49

Valo-Campbell residence, Brandon, Florida

The house on a suburban street east of Tampa blended in with the others. Simple designs in light tan with white trim. Bright flowers and occasional palm trees punctuated the layout.

The temperature and rainfall lent itself to year-round gardening. Sidewalks were water-stained orange to dark brown from the sprinkler systems. Chalk marks lined the street and sidewalk where children had been playing moments before the call to dinner.

The front door opened, and a woman pointed at Maya. She was crying in the arms of a man. Kennedy recognized them both from their Department of the Army photos. It was Major Helen Valo-Campbell and her husband, Bruce.

Maya wiped moist eyes as she exited the car, running to embrace her sister in a long hug.

“It’s all right. I’m here now,” she whispered. Kennedy stuck out his hand. “Kieran Kennedy, sir.”

“Good to meet you, Kieran. Call me Bruce. Please come in.”

The sisters sat on the couch hugging, their tear-stained faces soon producing smiles and then laughter as they caught up on the three years the women had gone without seeing each other.

Bruce led Kennedy into the kitchen. “Beer?”

“Perfect, thanks.”

“So, how did you meet Maya?”

“It’s a complicated story. Maya should tell you when she’s ready.”

Over the next hour, Maya briefed her sister- and brother-in-law on what had happened since Billy’s death. Helen didn’t say a word as she sipped her iced tea, engrossed in the story.

Kennedy could tell Bruce wanted to ask questions, but Helen’s look kept him at bay. Maya left out Kennedy’s role as conference organizer.

When the tale was told, Helen stood, moving around the coffee table to hug and thank Kennedy. Bruce stood, shook his hand, and slapped him on the back. “Nice work.”

Kenney smiled. If she is working for the cartel, versus being cohrest, she’s playing this like a pro.

Helen beamed. “How about dinner? Anyone for roast pork, yellow rice, and black beans?”

It was a warm Florida night with a hint of a breeze. The outdoor dining was next to the screened-in pool, and it was casual and fun. They talked as new friends do about growing up, family, the Army, and how lucky it was they all worked at a great command.

As the sun set, the screened porch kept the larger insects out. The bug zapper snapped and popped as it did its job on the smaller ones that did make it in.

It was close to eleven when Maya and Kennedy retired to the bedroom on the other side of the house. They held each other, kissed, and fell into a deep sleep.

Kennedy woke to the smell of coffee. If there was anything he liked more than wine, it was excellent coffee. He wandered toward the kitchen where Helen greeted him and embraced him in a long hug. She poured a steaming mug of black coffee, and he accepted it with a smile.

“Thank you again,” she said, “For saving my sister.”

“No problem.”

Kennedy had seen Helen's attempts to read him over dinner and again later as they got to know each other.

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