Rendezvous

Chloé

It took everything in me to hold back. I wanted to let it all go on that guy. He was about to kick King; the only one I have left of those who were with me over there. I could've killed him.

When I get home, instead of going up to my apartment, I take an immediate left and open the doors to reveal a gym. I strip out of my street clothes and pull on loose shorts and a sports bra.

I wrap my hands in boxing tape, tie my hair up and turn on my hard rock playlist. I get to punching at the bag in a corner. King's on the treadmill.

Destruction is all I have on my mind. I want to have to replace this bag when I'm done. I want to destroy. I want!

Apparently I've been punching at this bag for awhile because King's just staring at me. He only does that when he feels he's being ignored.

He stare right back at him as he trots in plave then moves toward the door. I towel off then follow. At the front door, I see an a car outside. I don't know this car and no one knows anyone to be here so I lift a nearby crate and grab the gun beneath it.

The cars are still in the car. I pocket them and move around the side of the warehouse. I see a guy. He's none the wiser.

"You're training is terrible."

Before he can turn, I hit him in the head, knocking him unconscious. His identification says he's a cop.

I move back around to the front and there's the other. I point my gun at him.

"Can I help you, officer?"

He turns and puts his hand at his hip but I shake my head.

"This is very stupid of you, girl."

"I'm not worried, boy. I'll put my gun down, though."

I sit my gun down.

"You're still under arrest."

"I doubt that. Why are you on my property?"

"That's not-

"It is my business. This is all my land. Do I have to have a talk with your superiors?"

He laughs.

"I'm sure they'd love to get a call from First Lieutenant Chloé Castro asking why their officers attempted to apprehend a so-called hero for...what did you say again?"

He stands a little straighter, "We didn't know this was your place, sir."

"See that you keep it to yourselves. If I get anymore visits, I won't be as pleasant."

"Yes, sir."

"Your partner's on the side."

I watch him load his partner into the car and drove away. Next step is to put up a fence and cameras. I don't want company. I want to be left alone.

When I go inside King's at the door. Next time, don't wait for my order. You know what to do."

He barks.

"You understand me, don't you?"

Upstairs, I shower and as soon as I step out, my phone rings. King's asleep in his room. It's my sister Courtney. I got back six months ago. She's been calling since she found out four months ago that I was back. What's worse is that her calls have picked up now that she knows I'm not at the VA anymore.

My answering machine picks it up.

"I know you're there, Chlo. You don't go anywhere." She pauses, "Why won't you talk to me? Trip and Rory miss you. They know you're home and are wondering why you talked to them more when you were away. We all miss you, Chloé. Love you."

The phone clicks and all I can do is look at it. She thinks she can save me. She thinks it's so easy to talk about it. It's just a matter of a few steps to her. That's why I keep my distance. I love my family but neither I nor they are ready to see each other.