Keeping Faith

Chapter Thirty-One: Letters in the Mail

     Max jumped onto the hospital bed and curled himself into a ball by David's feet. David fed his fingers through his fur, "You're a good boy, Max. I missed you too."

Faith placed her purse in her lap and sorted through it. David inquired, "What are you looking for?" She continued to plunder through her bag as she sneaked a glance in his direction, "Well I was looking for my Chapstick, but I can't find it."

She sat her purse on the ground as she extracted a handful of envelopes. David's brow furrowed as he watched her sort through them as though he wasn't in the room.

She was there for him after all, wasn't she? Then again, he hadn't exactly been giving her a warm reception since her arrival yesterday. He was thankful that Jonathan, Tony & Anthony had taken her up on her offer to stay so they could get rest.

Their constant looming was driving him crazy. Anthony had mentioned something about finding Carlos...but David hadn't really been paying enough attention to the conversation to recall what Anthony had actually told him about their missing comrade.

He wasn't in any position to help him anyway. He could barely help himself.

"Shall I hang on to them for now?" Startled back to the present, David shook his head, "I'm sorry, what?" Faith gestured to the papers in her hand, "I was asking if you wanted me to hang on to these." He shook his head, "What are they?"

The corner of Faith's mouth drew upward, realizing he hadn't heard a word she had said. She repeated, "They're letters. Uh, they're to you from a Jack Miller and a —" She glanced at the envelopes for reference, "And a Trent Tucker."

She queried over the latter, "Isn't he the country music artist?" David shrugged his shoulders, "I have no idea...I guess I'd better take a look." Faith surrendered them into his hands. David opened the first with a shaky hand, try as he might to hide his tremors, the raddling of the paper gave them away.

He signed as he unfolded the paper and read the following:

Dear David,

It is most important that I hear from you soon in response to my inquiry. I know that you are currently recovering from your last assignment, but I still want you as a Special Agent here at the FBI.

You belong here, you were destined to be an Agent! I hope that you will join us soon. Please let me know as soon as possible when you have made your decision.

Sincerely,
Jack

David released a sign. It had been his dream to join the FBI...but he wasn't sure if he could go back to law enforcement now or ever again. How could he trust himself after this?

He opened the second letter, this one was quite intriguing and unexpected:

Dear Sir,

My name is Andrew McGuire. I am the manager of international recording artist, Trent Tucker.

Currently, Mr. Tucker is signing contracts for his new tour and we are hoping for a world tour signing soon. Up till now, Mr. Tucker has not had to worry about safety since he has only recorded in studios.

However, now that he will be touring on a regular basis I am convinced that a Security Team is necessary to provide a secure and safe environment for my client. I have conversed with Mr. Tucker and we both would like you to be the Head of Security.

Your career in law enforcement is impressive.

As are your awards for Martial Arts. I am entirely confident that you are the perfect candidate for this assignment. We realize this will be a change for you and are prepared to compensate you by offering a yearly salary of $200,000, plus expenses.

I have included my contact information. We will need to have your answer by the end of the year; as the tour begins in January. I look forward to speaking with you!

Sincerely,

Andrew McGuire

David nearly choked on the OJ the nurse had just brought in. He reread the line with the dollar amount:

A yearly salary of $200,000, plus expenses.

He shook his head. His eyes had not deceived him this time. He was being offered an enticing amount of money...more than he currently would make in two years combined.

It would be a nice change. He'd get to travel, make more money, use his skills and retire much earlier than he had previously planned...if he played his cards right.

David sighed. As tempted as he was to jump at the offer, he wasn't sure if he was going to be much use to anyone. Each day was worse than the day before. Nothing was helping. Not even Faith's presence.

As much as he fought it, as much as he denied it...he needed those drugs. And he needed them now.

He felt withdrawn from the world. As though somehow the man he was, was lost forever. Perhaps never to return. Would they be able to accept him as he was now? Should he even try anymore? What was the point anyway?

He tossed the letters to the nightstand beside him and sat the OJ down. He grabbed the call button, they told him if he decided he needed the drugs to let them know.

He had been able to endure it until now. But now he didn't care anymore. Now he just wanted the pain to go away. To stop feeling. He was aching more than they were aware. He needed relief. A way for the throbbing to end. He wanted to cry, but he's eyes wouldn't grant him the luxury.

He pressed the button down and hated himself for it. He had always been stronger than this...why couldn't he fight it. The nurse entered the room shortly after he sent the signal. She held a syringe in her hand filled with the antidote David so desperately thought he needed.

His body flinched. He had been stuck enough for a lifetime. Yet he was willing to endure it one more time. He rolled up his sleeve as Faith questioned, "What are you giving him?"

The nurse smiled, "Just something to help him get over the hump. To help him rest."

Faith's eyes pleaded with David, then when he made no effort to stop the nurse, Faith bowed her head and sighed.

David tried his best to understand the expression on her face. Remorse, anger, pity? Perhaps a combination of all three? He signed and grabbed the nurses hand before she could insert the needle. He shook his head, "Thank you, but I won't be needing that."

Puzzled, the nurse simply nodded her head and encouraged, "If you need anything, just let me know." She turned and gave a small nod to Faith as she exited the room.

Faith clasped her hands together and wondered to his bedside as he rolled his sleeve down. She brushed his arm, leaned down and whispered, "I'm not leaving you..." David squeezed her hand, "It's not going to be pretty, Faith."

She nodded, "I know...but you didn't want this to happen. This isn't who you are. I just want to help you find yourself again. You've seen me at my worst and lov—" she hesitated, perhaps she shouldn't mention that word now. "And you stuck by me regardless. So, I'm sticking with you. Like it or not." David gently kissed the back of her hand, "Thank you, Faith...I just—need time."