The Aviators (A7X)

"Thanks."

Three months Later

BREAKING NEWS: As of 9:00 this morning, The Guild has barred its doors to the public, pending an internal investigation. Joshua Douglas, Director and co-founder of Hearts Rebels, a company that works with liberated slaves, is heading the investigation into the goings on at The Guild.

"That's your real name?"

I look up at Matt's question to JD who is sitting in our kitchen with us. Matt is busy signing CD covers – yeah, the band finally completed their album, Nightmare, but that's a story for another time – while I'm at the table eating. JD came over to update us on the progress of their case, and well...the news bulletin on the television is telling...

JD's lips twitch as he looks over to me. "I told you that time I met you at the mall."

I blink at him, remembering. "That feels like a lifetime ago."

He lifts his shoulders then looks back at Matt who is frowning at both of us.

"That's because it was a lifetime ago," Matt says, pointing out, "You were a slave. You're not now."

I smile. "I'm your wife. Same diff."

He snorts, shaking his head as he sets his pen down, clenching his hand into a fist. "Fuck...haven't done that in a while."

I shift closer to him. "More to come, though, right?"

Matt chuckles, as he runs his fingers through my hair. "Wouldn't have it any other way, hun."

JD clears his throat, drawing our attention back to him. "So, yeah. My name's Joshua." He shrugs again. "Not that it matters."

I lean my head against Matt's shoulder, "Your work matters..."

He nods. "Yeah, and this is just the beginning." JD rubs a hand on his knee and smiles at us. "But, you guys have the album coming out. And a tour coming up, right?"

Matt nods. "We're heading to Toronto in a few days."

JD laughs a little. "Canada. Haven't been myself. But, Robert's been. Mostly for work."

Matt's brow furrows. "They have a Guild there, don't they?"

JD nods. "Yes...though they're having their own issues." He pauses then gives a soft laugh. "Seems The Guild worldwide is beginning to have issues. But, that shouldn't worry either of you." He pats the seat next to him before standing. "I should let you guys be."

Matt turns to shake his hand as he passes to head to the door. "Thanks, man."

JD shakes his head, tipping his hat to me as he grips Matt's hand in farewell. "Have a safe trip. I'll keep you posted."

"Thanks." Matt slips his arm around my waist, squeezing.

I lift a hand to JD as he leaves. Then I glance up at Matt. He's frowning, again, but I can tell it's nothing serious. And, really...maybe I'm hoping it's nothing serious. The rest of our lives is ahead of us, new album for the band, tour, some serious fun. No more anxiety over what my future is going to hold. No more dwelling on the past.

I'm not a slave anymore. I'm free. And what will that look like? Who knows? The only thing I am certain of is that this is where I'm meant to be.