Mr Boo

Chapter 3

The drive was a pleasant change from Ghost's usual journeys, either alone or with some of his team mates, arguing with each other and talking way too loud. He occasionally glanced at Emily in the rear view mirror and grinned seeing her playing with her toy. The small spark of yearning for family, again started to take hold and was now growing.

"How long are you based here in Kentucky?" Georgia asked breaking his thoughts.

"Not sure. Been here just over a week and have another mission in a couple of days. It'll depend on how that goes" he rambled. "You worked at the base long?" he asked unsure of how to proceed with the conversation. Ghost wasn't one for conversation and felt a little out of his depth.

"About five years. They were really supportive when I had Emily and were happy to let me change my hours after I came back to work" Georgia explained.

"What made you get into Military Intelligence? I'm assuming you're a civilian" Ghost queried, interested in finding out more about the woman.

"I'm not military, never wanted to enlist. My dad was an Intelligence Officer, so he got me involved" she replied.

With some clear, precise directions, Ghost soon found himself driving on quieter country roads and farm tracks before turning into a smaller side track. A short drive brought the truck up to a small farmhouse.

Emily was visibly excited to see that they were home as Ghost picked her and her car seat up and carried her to the house. Ghost laughed as she tried to escape from her restraints "Hold yer horses little miss" he warned in a soft tone as he entered the small, welcoming home. "What's yer fussing about?" he asked chiding her antics as he unbuckled her harness.

"She's hungry" Georgia explained as she gestured for Ghost to put her in her high chair. Ghost strapped her in securely before stepping back to watch her as she eagerly awaited her food, babbling to herself.

Georgia grabbed some fruit and cut it up for her, placing it on Emily's small table. "Will you stay for dinner Lieutenant?" Georgia asked, catching Ghost by surprise.

"Erm, I can't put you out" he said stammering slightly at the rarity of the invite.

"You're not putting me out. You've done so much for us, the least I can do is offer you dinner" Georgia replied with a warm smile.

Ghost's instincts mentally kicked him, prompting him to reply with a strangled "Okay". He slowly sat at the table across from Emily, who was happily chomping on her fruit.

"Boo nana" she uttered holding out a piece of banana for him to take.

"No thanks sweetheart, you eat it" he replied with a soft tone.

"Can I get you a drink Lieutenant?" Georgia asked as she prepared some food for them both.

"Water's fine and you don't have to call me by rank" he replied honestly.

Georgia paused and looked at him "Not sure what to call you then, seems strange calling you Ghost" she confessed.

Without hesitation, Ghost responded "My name's Simon" before turning to Emily, putting his finger to his lips and whispering "But that's a secret".

Emily grinned at him and let out a contented "boo". Georgia chuckled "My lips are sealed" she replied gesturing zipping her lips closed.

Simon couldn't help but grin at the interactions. A part of him feeling at odds with the domestic situation he was in, but also revelling in the feeling of peace and comfort. He sat mesmerised by little Emily, her happily babbling away about god knows what, as she ate her fruit.