Glimmer of Hope (Land of Tomorrow Book 1)

Part III, Chapter 13

Clarence Anderson heard the knock on his front door and was pleased to find Beau Myers. He greeted him warmly and asked him in for a cup of hot tea. Anderson could tell right away that Beau was upset about something and he probably knew why.

The last few weeks were euphoric, but also difficult for Anderson. While they all celebrated the victory over the WTR, many took sides over Anderson’s actions following the Battle of Fulton. Some even tried to blame Beau and save Anderson the disgrace, but Anderson refused to let that happen.

General Nathan Taylor’s official investigation was quick and efficient. It cleared General Anderson of any criminal actions or negligence. His overall performance at the Battle of Fulton was officially applauded. Despite this, Anderson knew that a cloud would hang over him for the rest of his life casting a shadow over everyone he was around. This was why he resigned his position officially after he was cleared, entering his second retirement.

Although the retirement was bittersweet, the days back in his little house collecting his thoughts, gardening, and writing in his journals felt good. Peace and acceptance came upon him. Although he wished the actions he was forced to take at the battle had not happened, he still felt they were necessary and had probably saved the army from chaos and shame it may never have overcome. His biggest regret was that he had involved Captain Beau Myers.

Anderson imagined that was why Beau wished to talk to him. He saw he was right by the official orders in the young man’s hand. Although he had been polite so far, and Anderson made a point of being oblivious to Beau’s bubbling emotion, he knew they would have a serious talk soon. He prepared the tea and they sat.

“Okay,” said Anderson with resignation. “Let’s have it.”

Beau could barely contain himself. “How could you?” he asked while slapping the orders down on the table. Anderson did not have to look at the orders, he already knew what they said. He had signed them as his last official duty before resigning.

“Son, you have no reason to follow my path,” said Anderson compassionately. “What we did was my decision and I bear the responsibility alone. This is not on you.”

“It was me that killed that man! And before you say you ordered me to, I don’t regret it, but killing that sack of shit wasn’t your decision, it was mine!” said Beau with more emotion than Anderson had ever seen.

Anderson tried to feel his way through this carefully. “Beau, why exactly are you so angry?”

Beau looked exasperated. “Because of the things they have said! We would have lost the war without you! Hell, there wouldn’t even have been an army to fight back if it weren’t for you. And now they are talking about you like you are the devil!”

Anderson smiled. “It is the way of the world. Besides, what they think about me has no bearing whatsoever on who I am. It was actually time for me to retire. I felt old before this all started. And anyway, what does that have to do with you resigning your commission? How is that going to fix things?”

“It will show them they are wrong,” said Beau with conviction. “Also, I don’t want to be associated with an organization that would force you out like this.”

“First of all,” said Anderson, “they didn’t force me into anything. I retired by my own choice and it was the right decision. Second of all, the significance of your resignation would be lost on everyone and only result in weakening us in the days to come. We will need soldiers like you. Son, my days are past, but yours are ahead. Do not let what others say keep you from fulfilling what you were meant to do and are good at.”

“Good at?” Beau threw his hand up in the air. “Sir, I’m only here because of you.”

“That’s not true,” said Anderson forcefully. “You are a strong, courageous, capable leader and only you seem to have trouble seeing that. Beau, I’m not given to taking on strays because I like them. As a matter of fact, most people disappoint me as much as I disappoint myself. I took you on, and gave you responsibility and opportunity because I thought you were worth it. And you know what? You are!”