The St Patrick Series Book #1: The St Patrick Bride

Chapter Sixty Eight: Warming Up

Christopher's POV
Being sentenced to hard labor without confinement is not a joke. My friends made jokes about it but it's not funny when you find yourself in Commander Holt's jurisdiction as he calls it. That means no one can question what he does to those sentenced to hard labor. Commander Holt doesn't like my father. Their issues stem from the time my father was in charge of him and they rubbed shoulders the wrong way. He gladly extended that dislike to Tommy, who was unfortunate enough to end up in his hands. When Tommy was younger he couldn't fight his impulses to break rules. Rebellion draws him like a moth to the bulb. Whenever he was sebtenced to hard labor, Commander Holt made every single punishment impossible for Tommy but he doesn't know my big brother. Tommy loves a challenge. If it is difficult, he will do it over and over again until he gets it. The determination in him is what frustrated Commander Holt.

I'm not like Tommy.

I flare up fast and I have little patience for failure. I like to get things right the first time. Unfortunately, Commander Holt tailors his punishments to be meaningless and impossible to carry out.

On the first day of my punishment, he made me run. At first I thought it wasn't so bad. I run every morning along the beach before work. I thought to myself, 'I can do this! Easy.' After an hour, my feet tapped out. Running was t the end of it. He put me through more physical exercise and by the time I was done, I couldn't move even a finger. I called Tommy to get me. He took me home and even volunteered to carry me to bed. I didn't want my wife to see me carried like that. I slept on the sofa.

The next day, Commander Holt had new ideas.

It keeps getting worse.

I'm reminded of the first time I joined the army. Throw in the word punishment be and it's worse. He shouts at me. I am okay with that it is standard for recruits to be shouted at. Throw in a few insults to test the limit and it's horrible. I'm usually partly deaf after that.

Today, I have been scrubbing the bathrooms with a toothbrush. A single tile feels like a whole house. I have Ben at it since 0600 hours. My fingers hurt but the only way I'm going home today is if i finish this. I'm close.

I wouldn't wish this on anyone.

I picked up the mop and I have the floor one last clean up. I stepped back, satisfied with a smile on my face. It only took me twelve hours.

I stepped aside for inspection at exactly 1800 hours as he said. With my hands behind my back, my legs slightly spread, my chest high and my eyes facing straight ahead, I waited for him to look around. He is whistling an annoying tune.

"Good work."

This is a first. He never commends me for anything. "Thank you sir."

"I was going to get some cadettes to piss all over the floor but unfortunately or rather fortunately for you, someone wants to see you. Someone high up. You get to go home today. I'll see you tomorrow. Dismissed."

Is it my father?

I don't think so. He's not talking to me.

On my way to the car, I spotted him. Courtney's father smiled at me. This man has a wicked smile. He ceased conversation with some of my superiors. He excused himself to approach me. The Ambassador's left arm is full of tattoos. I have never seen this before. He likes long sleeved clothing. Now that I think of it, a lot about Court's behavior is because of this man.

"Ambassador. I wasn't expecting you."

"You look tired. Can I buy you coffee?" He asked me with the same wicked smile.

"Uh... No. I have to get home. It's Friday." When I said so it suddenly dawned on me why I have had a nagging feeling all day. "It's Friday."

"I don't know what's going on here but we need to talk."