Lane

I'm finished up in Chicago, while Sal and Sylvia disappeared into the system. This means they won't ever see the light of day again. The CIA swept across the nation making one arrest after another.

I'm in the apartment Danica and I shared for a short period of time. The last of her belongings are boxed up and loaded. I will ship them to Oklahoma and have them stored until I can reach her finally.

Soon I'll be hopping on a jet headed for Montana. I was given her location today because they've released her from protective custody and I'm officially released from the Military and the CIA. I'm retired at 29 years old and I have my entire future ahead of me.

I've decided to see Danica first, and if she agrees to stay with me, I'll take her home then plan a trip overseas. I'm dying to see my dad, but there is a chance Danica could be carrying my child and she takes priority.

While I waited for my flight, I stared at my phone. I need to call him, but I'm nervous. I know he received the notice and was told to have patience, but he's waited far too long. I wasn't permitted to contact him until after my release, which was today. What do I say? Will he have a heart attack? Will he be angry?

I walked over to an empty area by my gate. I thought maybe having a quiet place to talk would help, but I'm even more nervous. My father and I were always close, and I know my death about killed him. I also wonder if he will hold resentment toward me and blame me for my mother's death. I've carried so much guilt over her death, and that alone is hard to overcome.

I shut my eyes as my finger lingered over the little green phone that's lit up on the screen of my cell. I let my finger fall to the screen just like playing Russian roulette. It may or may not have tapped the right spot. I opened my eyes and saw the call was connecting.

Here goes nothing. My stomach is in knots that only tighten with each ring.

"Hello?" I heard my father's voice for the first time in years. I couldn't form the words as I stood at my gate all choked up.

"Hello?" I heard his voice again, so I cleared my throat.

"Dad?" I said, and I heard him let out a breath.

"Son, thank God. Are you okay?" He asked.

"I don't know how to answer that, Dad," I said, and already know I'm pushing back tears.

"It's okay, Son. Just come home. You're wanted and needed here, and all I want is to have my boy home." He started to cry, so I did too.

"I missed you so bad, Dad. It was out of my control and I lost everything." I cried.

"You haven't lost me and I need you. You're my son and I'm damn proud. You did your duty and it's time to come back home." He said.

I wiped the tears from my face and tried to compose myself. "I am so sorry," I said, and I heard him crying.

"You let that go and never again apologize. You are my greatest pride and joy, and you have no idea how wonderful that letter was to receive." He cried.

"Are you sure you want me home?" I cried.

"Are you kidding me, Son? I wanted you the moment I found out your mother was carrying you and that has never changed. I never could let you go, and now you're just one phone call away." He said.

"I'll be home soon. I don't know exactly when, but I'll be there and it'll be very soon. I love you, Dad." I cried again and wiped my tears away as I turned from the crowd. I don't need to be seen crying.

"Please stay in touch until you get here. Update me as much as possible, and I promise a warm welcome when you get here. Your mother's family is busting at the seams to see you." He said.

"Really?" I broke down again.

"Of course, please just stay in touch." He said.

"I'll call as much as I can, but I have to go. I'm catching one more flight to tie up one last thing, then I'll be home," I said.

"God, it's so good to hear your voice. Okay, I'll let you catch that flight and I'll talk to you soon. Can I call you at this number?" He asked.

"Anytime, Dad. Goodbye." I said, then our call was over. I had a few minutes, but I needed time to collect myself before the flight. I went to the bathroom and splashed some cold water on my face and soon was on my flight.

There are so many things running through my mind. Everything from Danica, to my mother, and it's hard to realize all this is finally happening. I need to say goodbye to my mom and spend time with Dad. Danica is a priority, but there's no guarantee that her mind hasn't changed. I'm either going home alone or with a wife.