WITHOUT

Secrets.

Four people sat in front of Mr Reed and Jerry. Jerry hadn't planned on staying in the room, she was only going to do her usual - Present, seat, quick nod to her boss (Leave the room, Mr Reed obviously had an unplanned meeting)

But, she was asked to stay (She took a seat just to the side of Mr Reed's desk) He had an odd look to his face, she picked up a blank note and pen. This was a "meeting", but it had an intense feeling to it. Jerry was no mind-reader (Maybe good at taking cues, but not knowing the questions that were about to be asked)

Ethan's father and step-mother sat to the left, Ethan's mother and step-dad sat to the right. There was one burning question first : Where was Ethan?! (They had been informed Mr Reed would be able to assist, if not answer) There were a few more - What had happened to him? Was his disappearance, to with his work. That Ethan never talked about?

Was Ethan still alive? If not, where was his body? Was he on a mission? (Then, he could still be alive?) There were actually many questions, these were just the tip of the ice berg. Ethan's father gave an air, this could be quickly sorted, answers would be forth coming (Mr Reed would just tell them, because he was Ethan's father. And he was asking on behalf of all parental figures concerned)

Mr Reed noted Ethan's mother was holding tightly to a string of rosary beads. Ethan's step-dad looked to be a simple man, but had a tight narrow look to his eyes (That made Mr Reed feel uncomfortable....A such sign, the step-dad wasn't kind man) Even Jerry flickered a look in his direction, but never lingered.

Ethan's step-mother, kept looking around the room (Making tutting noises. She was an impatient woman, like her husband - Expected all things on the spot. Instant. If you ask for something, it is simply given!) The step-mother didn't like the interior of the office either.

Mr Reed looked at the papers on his desk, opened a folder (The real information was safely locked away. The parents would never gain access to that) They wouldn't believe or understand it, if they were ever told.

"You were told he passed. It was to do with his work....I can't say what the mission was, where it all happened. Or elaborate more details, on what he was doing exactly. I understand full support was given....To aid in grieving. Your still asking questions, that is understandable..." Mr Reed looked each parent in the face. "I can assist with your inquiries. I will open a request for further information, I can even arrange for a member of his work team to come and discuss further with you all what happened. If you all wish?..." Mr looked to each parent again, glanced at his papers.

This meeting was going to be a long and stressful. My parents had been hard enough, but Ethan's were another kettle of fish altogether. He was dealing with two superior/self-righteous people, and two that appeared to be plain and simple (But, could pull the "I was only asking for the truth" card. Those kind of people cause a lot of problems!)

Mr Reed and Jerry, did not need problems.

"...It was made clear he had died.   His body had to be dealt with.    I can put in a request for more of his ashes.   His team keep small bags as evidence....Another small box can be passed on to you all.."      Mr Reed did a quick glance to Jerry (She nodded)  He looked at the opened folder. All answers to every possible question had been detailed out for him.

Both sides shook their heads.     Ethan's mother looked to her husband (Were they asking the right questions?)      Her Rex, dear husband that he was....Just refused to believe Ethan got killed in action.   Kept saying "Something just wasn't right, with that answer.   Boy's a cockroach....He ain't never gonna curl up and die!"