Early Birds

The Call of Duty

Part 3

Simon headed off on his long night drive, with a strong nagging ache in his chest. Never before had he felt such a weight on him in leaving someone to return to duty. When his family was alive, there was always a sadness in parting but now, the significance of his time with Cassie and the impact she had had on him, was physically and emotionally heavy.

He was almost at the base in North Carolina before he felt he could breathe fully, his stomach untwisting as he readied himself to be back on duty. Just after sunrise, Simon arrived at the main gate, checking in with the guard, the young sergeant giving him directions to the compound where Taskforce would be stationed. 

Price was waiting at the main entrance, the gate sergeant having informed him of the arrival.

Price regarded Ghost with a wide smile, as he stepped out of his truck, 'Good to see you son' he said patting him on the back.

'Glad to be back Price' he replied as he was led into the complex, Price indicating to where his office was, asking to catch up after he'd settled. Price showed Ghost where his quarters were and left him to it.

Ghost dropped his duffel bag onto his bed before showering and changing. He sent Cassie a message to say he'd arrived before heading downstairs to meet with Price. Price went through some of the operational aspects of their new base before checking in with Ghost about his imposed leave.

'You're looking well Ghost, how was your leave?' he asked curious, since Ghost rarely took leave.

'Was good, stayed at a cabin in the mountains, did a lot of hiking and training, went hunting, kept myself out of trouble' he said carefully, unsure whether he should reveal he'd been with Cassie. He trusted Price implicitly and wasn't worried about Price knowing about his relationship, he was more concerned about how to verbalise his feelings to the man.

'Good to hear Simon, know it wasn't planned, but the break obviously did you well. So, onto business' he started.

'Laswell called this morning, she's going to get in touch again with Worm and will request she come to us for a couple of week to get the database up and running again. Laswell said she doesn't normally agree to work in the summer, but thinks she'll be happy to assist if it's only a short contract. It'll be good to see the lass again, eh?' Price commented.

'Yeah' Ghost said quietly, looking down.

Price had known Ghost for years and was a good reader of his body language, so was puzzled by his change in demeanour. 'You got an issue with Worm coming back to work with us? Thought you two managed to sort out your differences, thought you worked well with the girl in the end?' Price queried.

Ghost rubbed his chin, thinking about what to say. 'Fuck it, just do it', he thought, 'It was Worm I was staying with' he said quickly, letting out the breath he hadn't realised he was holding.

Price was visibly shocked. 'What....... you........ with Worm?' he asked not quite believing. Pausing to take in the words before asking tentatively 'You and Worm got a thing going, Simon?'

'Yeah..... she'd invited me before everything went to shit, so I've been living with her' he added speaking plainly.

'Bloody hell, son, never saw that coming' Price exclaimed with a huff. 'I was just happy you two managed to get on after pissing each other off, but I never thought that you two would end up together. How the hell?' he blurted out, still in shock, working through his thoughts.