Chapter 11 #2
“First, you know my men who worked with Javier for several years, both for the Riggs Corporation and while we were in the Army, will make an appearance at the viewing and be the pallbearers at the funeral and at the cemetery. I understand the local VFW has chosen to do the twenty-one-gun salute. I had no idea that Javier’s father was such an active member of the organization.
They really want to be part of the ceremony.
My men insist on folding the flag, and I will present it to you.
I am very sorry, but we will not be able to stay for the meal.
We’re expected in Washington D.C. tomorrow morning, and we have to get settled into our new quarters. ”
“That’s exactly what I mean about everything going smoothly as far as the funeral.
The ladies of the church where Javier and I attended as children will handle everything for the meal.
I think I’m going to go back to church there.
They welcomed me as though we’d never left and were genuinely sorry to hear of the loss of Javier, but that’s a small community for you.
” She grinned. “Mama, on the other hand, is not welcome in that church. It seems she used to use the social gatherings as hunting grounds and had affairs with several of the husbands. I guess she didn’t listen to the commandment about adultery or ever read Exodus or Deuteronomy.
” At that, she laughed out loud. “I can’t imagine my mother ever reading the Bible. ”
Clint, wanting to change the subject, asked, “What are your thoughts on each of these houses?”
Two hours later, Theodora had picked an adorable three-bedroom house in a nice neighborhood.
It had recently been remodeled, so it was perfect for immediate move-in, with all new appliances and even included the top-of-the-line washer and dryer, which were not present in the other two homes.
In Clint’s opinion, it was perfect for her.
A bedroom for her, and one for the baby’s nursery, and the third she’d mentioned changing into an office.
She’d decided to buy herself a real desk.
The best part was that the house was a foreclosure, so she could close immediately and move in right away.
On the way to drop her off, the real estate agent agreed to stop by the only car dealership in the area.
With his help, they quickly found a nearly new SUV with good tires, low mileage, and very good safety ratings that Theodora paid for right then with her bankcard and got another discount.
She drove it off the lot with Clint in the shotgun seat, and they both said goodbye to the real estate agent.
Theodora, in the new-to-her SUV, pulled up to the rental house to drop him off. “I’ll see you this evening at the viewing, right?”
“Yes, we’ll all be there, but we won’t stay long. Together, we’re rather intimidating.”
Theodora smiled. “That was one of the things I loved most about Javier. I always felt safe with him.”
Clint gave her a small smile. Javier was one of the most deadly men he’d ever met.
Before he got out of the vehicle and they were finally alone, he wanted to take the opportunity to talk to her for a few minutes. “I was so proud that you were conservative in your home purchase. And even prouder that you didn’t pay for the whole thing, even though you have enough money to do so.”
“Mr. Lamplighter set me up with a financial advisor who helped one of his friends who’d won the lottery.
Not a big one, but significant for this area.
I got to talk to that man, and he told me a few horror stories like long-lost second cousins who crawled out of nowhere, hard-luck cases, sick children, and more.
Then I tracked down Trixie, Mama’s neighbor back at the trailer park.
She used the same financial advisor recommended by Mr. Lamplighter.
“I called him, and he picked me up and took me to his office while Mama was out. We had a long talk about her, the baby, and our future. I’ve done everything he suggested, including starting an investment account for the baby.
He also suggested that I put down enough money on a house that I can handle the payments with my graphics income.
” She glanced at him with a little guilt in her eyes.
“Thank you for helping me pick out that house. I’m not sure how long I’ll keep it.
At least a year, is what the financial advisor suggested.
This town is pretty small, and Mama is real close. I’ll make that decision next year.”
Clint was surprised at what good head she had on her shoulders.
“You’re going to be busy tomorrow when we leave.
I want to reiterate that I will still take care of you and the baby.
And I will look in on you from time to time, but you have to remember I still work for Riggs Corporation.
As you remember, we get called out on a lot of missions.
At some point, I’ll be returning to Ethiopia, but for the next few weeks, I’ll still be in the United States.
You have my phone number, which will also connect to my phone in Ethiopia. Thank you for the ride.”
“I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me.” She reached across the center console and squeezed his forearm. “I completely understand that I probably won’t see much of you from now on. I truly hope you’ll stay in touch.” She smiled. “If you don’t, I might just call you.”
Clint smiled as he got out of the vehicle.
“You can call me anytime, I promise to get back to you as soon I can, if I don’t answer.
” As he walked into his temporary rental, he felt a huge burden lift.
He had done as he’d promised. He had taken care of Javier’s wife and his child by returning them to the place he would never leave.
Sure, he’d check in on her when he had time or thought about it, but as far as he was concerned, his promise had been fulfilled.
Clint felt even better as they lifted off the runway the next afternoon.
As Theodora had predicted, everything with the funeral had gone smoothly.
She cried when he said the traditional words and handed her the flag that had covered her husband’s coffin for the past two days.
He had returned her hug as they said goodbye. He doubted he would ever see her again.
He sat up front with Van and the flight crew for the fifteen-hundred-mile flight and smiled nearly the whole time. They’d soon be landing in Washington D.C. By dark, he’d have Ashlin in his arms.