Under My Protection

Chapter 2

"Papa!" The front door was thrown open by a little boy. He was three years old. I felt my guilt skyrocket. He was short with a long boy cut and deep brown eyes. He looked nothing like Chris. His eyebrows drew together in confusion. "You're not my papa."

"Chris-" Chris's husband came around the corner with a smile that disappeared as soon as his eyes landed on me. This was Mitch. Chris told me so much about him.

"Mr. Grassi? Your husband-" I called him by his last name. He never took Chris's. Mitch held up a finger to signal me to be quiet. He knelt down to the little boy that was grabbing his legs.

"David. Why don't you go play with your toys?" The little boy looked at me before rushing off to the living room. Mitch stood up calmly. "Please say he's not dead." He was shaking.

"He's MIA."

"He's only been gone a month. That's the shortest time. He was suppose to be home today." He wiped the tears from his eyes. "Do you want to come in?" He walked away from the door before waiting for my answer. I shut the door behind me, following him into the kitchen.

"You don't want to see my badge." I set my badge on the table but he didn't even glance at it.

"I know who you are Scott. Do you want anything to drink?"

"Um, coffee please." I sat down at the table and Mitch quickly placed a cup in front of me. "How do you know me?" He turned around.

"My husband tells me everything. Even when he's fantasying about another agent." I pointed at myself and he nodded. Is that why he requested me for every case?

"I never did anything with him."

"I know." He was taking sips out of his coffee cup. He was actually taking this quite well. A few tears every now and then. They had been married for awhile though. Actually six years together. Mitch was probably briefed on how to act. Plus he had a son. Mitch couldn't breakdown.

"When's my papa coming home?" We both looked towards the doorway to find David standing there.

"David-"

"Is he dead?" I looked at Mitch but he had his face turned away.

"I don't think so buddy." I answered for Mitch.

"Sweetie, it's time for bed. I'll tuck you in soon." David ran off and I caught Mitch just in time. He fell to his knees as a sob shook his body. His face was buried in the crook of my neck and my shirt was balled in his fists. He was sobbing quietly as I held him on the kitchen floor. "He tried to prepare me but how can you prepare for the death of someone you love. That you need." I didn't know what to do. I was suppose to tell him and leave. I've never comforted someone before. Plus I couldn't hug him tightly. I would hurt my wounds.

"I bet he's fine." I said doubtfully.

"No he's not. Don't lie." I began rocking him gently.

"Daddy?" I helped Mitch up to his feet. He had his back to David as he wiped away the tears. Then he turned to his son with a smile.

"Yeah baby. Let's get you to bed."

"I want papa to tuck me in." Mitch fell to his knees in front of David and began sobbing on his three year old's shoulder. I stood there shocked. I would be crying constantly but Mitch would pull himself together. "Daddy?" Mitch pulled away.

"I'm sorry. Let's get you to bed." I saw Mitch regain his composure quickly. I followed them into the little boy's bedroom. "What do you want to be tonight?"

"Where's papa?" I saw Mitch swallow nervously at his son's question.

"Do you want to be a cowboy or an astronaut?" Mitch pointed at the onesies that were laying neatly on the bed.