The End of the Beginning

“My, my, is this the surprise of my day!” shouted Hernandez, clapping his hands together loudly. “Search and Rescue Squadron 3. May you allow this tired soul a warm meal in your presence, amongst friends? Hmm?” Shampoo darted under the table to greet Hernandez. Furiously, she started licking the man’s right forearm.

“Beautiful dog,” smiled Hernandez, embracing Shampoo with a back rub. “I used to work with one just like her.” “Chief,” said William, turning around in his chair.

“Captain, am I interrupting something?” asked Hernandez.

William put on an inviting face. “No, sir. But… we were actually just about to leave. My team and I are tired and need to get up early again for more training. Training, training, training,” he chuckled.

Hernandez looked somewhat annoyed. “Oh, come now amigos. You are all much younger and fitter than me. The night is still very much young!” “I’m sorry, sir,” said William, getting up. The rest of his team quickly followed. “Training calls.” Hernandez scratched his nose above a flashed smile that showed William the chief did not believe him. “Of course. I wouldn’t want you all failing because of my late night dinner habits. Good luck tomorrow.” Everyone made there way past Hernandez and William who stayed, still looking at each other. Each of the team politely said goodbye to the chief. He acknowledged each of them politely back.

“Rescue Officer Fortin,” said Hernandez, gently grabbing Gaspard’s arm, stopping him.

Everyone froze. William felt his heart start to race. His body became awash with tension. Gaspard felt even worse. He knew why Hernandez had stopped him. “Sir?” “What is that in your hand?” asked Hernandez curiously, pointing to the vile.

“Oh this, this is just, this is just a shot of an energy drink.”

“An energy drink?”

“Yes, sir. It’s my own remedy.”

Hernandez put out his hand. “May I see it?”

Gaspard quickly looked at William. William nodded. Gaspard handed the vile off. Hernandez held it up to the light.

“Interesting.”

Gaspard bit his lip. He could feel a single bead of sweat falling down his forehead.

“Well,” said Hernandez after what felt like forever, “maybe next time you can bring enough for everyone, yeah?” Hernandez laughed, as did Gaspard but out of nervous relief. William pretended to chuckle. Shampoo waged her tale at Amanda’s feet.

“Yes sir,” said Gaspard, gesturing for the vile. Hernandez handed it back over.

“Get some rest everyone,” called Hernandez. “With the parents out of the house it’s going to be a long week.” William knew he was referring to Hammond being away in Alaska. Gaspard put the vile in his jacket pocket and rushed to rejoin the rest of the team walking out of the dining hall. William was also ready to join them when he felt a hand on his chest.

“Will,” whispered Hernandez. “Seeding others with the idea of suspicions does not make those suspicions anymore true. I know what your doing, Captain. I know where you were last night with Colonel Morrison.” William kept his eyes forward, not looking at Hernandez.

“We are fighting the same war but are mistakenly shooting each other through the smoke. You told me you would drop this.” “We can’t be fighting the same war, sir. We aren’t fighting for the same thing. We are fighting to conquer two different truths.” Hernandez lowered his hand. “I will say this to you, as a friend, one last time Will. Do not interfere with my investigation. With all due respect, should we have to have this conversation again, it will not be on such cordial terms.” William finally glanced over at Hernandez. “With all due respect, sir, the next time we have this conversation I will have been proven right.”