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A Promise Kept Ch. 01

By: MoogPlayer



I'm sorry I've not written anything new in a while, but my second book has been doing better than I could've ever dreamed of. I hope you all enjoy what you're about to read, but keep in mind, that like all of my stories, this one, too, is pure and total fiction. That means that anything CAN and usually DOES happen in a fictional story. In the mean time, I wish you all Peace and God's blessings...

MoogPlayer

~~~~~~

"I'm really sorry that I did this," she bitterly wept, "And I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me one day."

"I was wrong about you," I coldly, as well as emotionlessly replied, "I guess that now you really do know what's it's like to kill someone...don't you?" and then I hung the phone up, and walked away.

~~~~~~

Hi, my name is Michael Walker, or just plain old "Mike" to my friends. I stand six feet, two inches tall, and weigh two hundred and twenty pounds. I have dark brown, almost black hair, and pale blue eyes, and I'm fifty two years old. However; what you're about to read began when I was twenty-seven years old, and I'd just received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy the day before, after having served ten years.

While I was in boot camp, I qualified for BUD/S which is an acronym for Basic Underwater Demolition School. In other words, I went through, and by the grace of God, graduated Navy SEAL training. I was not only proud of the work I did, but was equally proud to be member of something bigger than myself, hence the reason I wanted to be in "The Teams" to begin with.

However, as we all know, freedom does not come free, and while my team did our jobs successfully, it came at a very high price. I won't go into detail, but suffice it to say that I lost more than several friends, one of them being my best friend, in the process of doing those said jobs.

~~~~~~

Chapter One

I joined the Navy in 1977, on my seventeenth birthday and got out in 1987 the day before my twenty-seventh birthday. So; when I finally made it home, my family; Mom, known by Deborah to her friends, my Dad, whose name was Nathan, and my little sister, Brittany, threw me a birthday/homecoming party my first night home.

"Welcome home, baby," Mom cried, throwing her arms around my neck the moment I walked from the plane into the airport terminal, "I've missed you so much."

"Hi, Mom," I smiled, returning her hug, "It's good to see you."

"Hello, son," Dad grinned, shaking my hand while hugging me with his other arm, "Glad to see you back in one piece."

"Hi, Dad," I happily smiled, "It's good to finally be home."

"Hi, Mikey," Brittany cried, throwing her arms tightly around my neck, "I've missed you so much, big brother."

"Hey, Brit," I teased, "Wow, let me look at how beautiful you've grown up to be while I was gone."

"People do that you know," she cooed, twirling around so that I could see her, "Just don't let me catch you perving on me now that I've grown some tits."

"Brittany Leigh," Mom scolded, "How cold you say such a thing, and to your own brother, too?"

"Relax, Mom," I laughed, "I guess some things never change, do they? She's always had a dirty mouth."

"Oh, shut up, Michael" Brittany giggled, "You wouldn't love me any other way, now would you?"

"Yeah," I laughed, "You're probably right, Sis."

Because Brittany is four years younger than me, she was only thirteen years old when I left, and her mouth was bad then, too. I can still remember Mom getting on her ass for her foul language. I shuddered to think how much worse she'd become since I saw her last, which happened to be the day she graduated high school. That was the last time I was home, and that was five years prior.

I felt a little bad when I realized that I'd only been home once in the ten years that I'd been in the Navy. But that was just the way things were back then, Hell, I was always being called upon to do my job, going to one place or another, it was almost always dangerous, but then I knew that was how it was going to be before I ever joined the Navy to start with.

Still though, I could tell that my years away from home had added some extra worry lines to both of my parent's faces. However, I was home for good now, and they would no longer have a reason to worry about me in any way, shape, or form; and for that I was extremely thankful.

~~~~~~

"We're throwing you a big homecoming party tonight, Mikey," Brittany smiled, breaking me from my reverie, while I was waiting at the baggage terminal, "We've invited all of your old friends from school."

"That sounds like fun," I smiled, and then suddenly I pulled my sister and my mother into my arms and said, "I'm really sorry for not coming home more often than I did, and I know that you guys were probably worried sick about me, and I'm really sorry about that, too."

"Don't you worry, son," Dad kindly smiled, patting me on the shoulder, "You were serving our country, and that made us very proud of you."

"That's right, sweet boy," Mom said, kissing me on the cheek, "All of that is over now, okay?"

"She's right, Michael," Brittany sniffled, laying her head on my shoulder, "You're home now, and we love you, and that's all that matters, okay big brother?"

Suddenly, and for reasons I didn't know at the time, I felt the tears beginning to sting my eyes, and then silently run down my face, and all I could say was, "I love you guys so very much, and I've really missed you a lot."

"Like I said, sweetheart," Mom softly replied, "That's all in the past, and you've got a great future in ahead of you so; just let it go, baby."

"I'll really try, Mom," I told her, "But there are some things that just won't let me go."

"We're all here for you, son," Dad assured me, "And we'll help you with anything you need. In the mean time, let's get your bags and get home. I know a bunch of people that're really anxious to see you..."

~~~~~~

"SURPRISE!!!" was what I heard the moment the lights came on when I first walked into my family home. I looked around the room to see my only living grandparent, my paternal grandmother, Lucy" who greeted me with a big hug and a soft kiss on the cheek.

"Welcome home, sweetheart," Grandma Lucy sniffled, "It's so good to see you, baby. Let me take a look at you honey," and then after holding me at arms length for a moment, she smiled and said, "You look so handsome in that uniform, sweetie. I guess being in the Navy agreed with you, son."

"Hello, Grandma Lucy," I grinned, giving her a nice firm hug, "I'm so happy to see you."

"That does my old heart good to hear you say that, Michael," she sweetly replied, "I baked you a German Chocolate cake and it's sitting over there on the table just waiting for you to cut into it, baby."

"Thank you," I smiled, "You know that that's my most favorite cake in the whole world...especially when I know that you made it."

"Of course I know, Mikey," she lightly chuckled, "I baked it just for you."

"Thank you," I happily replied; hugging her once more, "I can't wait to taste it."

"Hello, Michael," a very familiar voice emanated from behind me, a female voice from my past that I would recognize anywhere, "I hope you haven't forgotten about me, you handsome thing."

"Jenny Meyers," I smiled, turning around to see my old high school sweetheart standing there looking better than I ever could remember, "Of course I remember you. How could I ever forget?"

"I'm so glad to see you," she began to cry, and then launched herself into my arms, as she lightly kissed my lips, "I've missed you so much, and look how gorgeous you've grown up to be."

Let me take a moment to describe Jenny, who I might mention, never left my side my first night home. Her full name is Jennifer Elizabeth Meyers, and at the time, she had waist length, strawberry blonde hair, baby blue eyes, and stood five feet, six inches tall. She weighed a hundred and twenty pounds, and her measurements were 36C-24-34. Jenny and I graduated high school the same year, after we'd been dating one another since we were in the eighth grade and on until we graduated high school. After I joined the Navy, she went to college, attending the University of California at Los Angeles (U.C.L.A.).

We gave our virginity to one another during the fall when Jenny turned 16 after I'd turned the same age two months prior to that. She was my whole world at the time and I thought that we'd always be together until I got into trouble six months later because of a friend of mine, Lance Howard, who, I later found out, had been a criminal since we were children.

Anyway, he pulled up next to me in the high school parking lot in a Chevrolet, Corvette Stingray, telling me that his parents had just bought it for him, and that he wanted to take me for a ride with him in his "new car". Of course, I agreed, and then hopped on in, with Lance squealing the tires as we pulled out onto the street. What I didn't know was that he'd stolen the car from someone in a neighboring town which just happened to be my high school's largest rival during football and/or every other sporting event in our school.

When we got arrested, I was charged with "Accessory to Grand Theft-Auto", and when we went to trial; the judge told me that he would drop the charge against me if I joined the military for at least six years. Well, needless to say, the moment I graduated High school, and I was seventeen at that time, I joined the Navy, and after I'd graduated from basic training, or "Boot Camp" as it's called, I went to Hospitalman "A" School, where I became a Navy Corpsman.

After that, I qualified for and managed to make it, by the grace of God, as well as through sheer drive and determination, through Basic Underwater Demolition, SEAL School. I was one of only sixteen people, out of an original class of one hundred and twenty-seven people, who graduated BUD/S Class 104. I felt very proud to be a member of "The Teams" and I worked hard to honor the men that I not only served with, but also the men who came before me and either retired, and/or ended up giving the ultimate sacrifice for their country...their lives.

~~~~~~

I was very glad to see not only Jenny that night, but also a few other people that I went to school with. David Haynes, Randy Smith, and Billy Townsend were three guys that I played football with my senior year, and my little sister Brittany made certain that they were there, because she knew that I'd be very glad to see them after ten years of being away from home.

"Hey, Mike," Billy grinned, as we shook hands, "Damn bro, it's really good to see you. How have you been, man?"

"Oh, the usual," I laughed, "Working, training, getting my ass shot off, you know, that sort of thing."

"Holy shit," David gasped, "Tell me that you're only kidding, Mike."

"Unfortunately, he's not kidding," my father quietly replied, from behind me, "But then he'll never tell you that either."

"Come on, Dad," I firmly replied, trying my best not to sound harsh, "I'm going to ask you to leave it alone, okay?"

"You should be proud of what you did," he smiled, "I know that I am; hell, we all are, son."

"I understand that, I really do," I tried to explain, "But it's not something I care to talk about, not now, not ever, and most certainly not in mixed company so; I'm asking you to drop it, please Dad?"

"Oh, alright," he almost crossly replied, "But I still don't think that..."

"That's enough, Dad," I growled, having had enough of Dad's inquisition, "I don't want to hear anymore about it, and that's final, dammit!"

"Okay, jeez, son," my father sheepishly replied, backing away, "Calm down, Mike...please."

"I am calm," I told him, "But enough is enough..."

~~~~~~

I'd been mingling with all of the people that my family had invited to the party. And I could tell that things were beginning to wind down, which I was sort of glad for, because it had been along day for me. I was looking forward to getting into bed early until Jenny, who still hadn't left my side, smiled and sweetly asked me, "You look like you could use a break, sweetie. How about you and I getting out of here for a while, how does that sound, huh?"

"That sounds great to me, but I'd like to get out of this uniform and change into something a little more comfortable," I smiled, placing my arm around Jenny's beautiful waist, "Plus, I need to let my folks know what I'm doing before we leave, okay?"

"Okay, handsome," she sweetly purred, "You take all the time you need, Michael. I'll go talk to your sister, Brittany, while you're getting changed."

~~~~~~

"So, tell me, Brit," Jenny said to Brittany, "Is it me, or does Michael seem different since he's been back?"

"Of course he does," Brittany irritably replied, "But then again, you don't know what he did for the Navy, do you?"

"No," Jenny plainly said, "I wrote to him several times, but he never once returned a single letter; and why are you being so defensive all of a sudden? I always thought that you and I got along rather well when Michael and I used to date."

"That was then, Jenny," Brittany pointedly told her, "Maybe you should ask him yourself. It's not like you haven't been clinging to him like a tick on a dog ever since he got here."

~~~~~~

The moment I came back into the den, I saw Jenny dismissively walking away from my sister with an angry look on her face.

"What's wrong," I asked, "Did you and my sister have an argument, or something?"

"No, not really," she said, seemingly out of sorts, "Can we please get out of here now?"

"Sure," I replied, "Let me go tell my Mom that I'm leaving and then we'll go."

~~~~~~

We took Jenny's car, and much to my surprise, ended up at the beach in the same place we were on the night we gave our virginities to each other. As I looked out across the ocean and saw the moon reflecting off of the water, a nostalgic feeling began to sweep over me, temporarily putting at bay, the bad feelings of the not too distant past that had been raging within me ever since I came home.

"So, what do you think, Michael," Jenny sweetly smiled, taking my hand, "Do you remember this place?"

"Sure I do," I grinned, "How could I ever forget?"

"I know that I couldn't forget," she softly replied, leaning over and softly kissing my lips, "This is the place where we gave ourselves to one another for the very first time, baby," and then the next thing I knew, tears were filling my eyes and silently making their way down my face.

Jenny immediately took notice, and with concern in her voice, said, "Oh, Michael, baby what's wrong?"

"Nothing really," I replied, wiping my face on my sleeve, "I was just thinking about a time that's gone forever now, that's all.,"

"It doesn't have to be gone forever," she sweetly told me, kissing my lips again, "A girl never forgets her very first lover ya know."

"I know," I smiled, "The same thing goes for us guys, too."

Suddenly she sat straight up in her seat, and with a fearful look in her eyes, took my hand and said, "Michael, there's something I need to tell you, and I'm not really sure how you're going to take it."

"Why don't you just tell me?" I smiled, "I mean; it can't be that bad, can it?"

"Okay, then, here it goes," she began, ""I've loved you since we were both young, Michael, and the night we gave ourselves to each other sealed that love forever in my eyes...I guess what I'm trying to say is that I still love you, and I've never stopped...not ever," and before she could even finished telling me how she felt, her eyes filled with tears that were, by this time, falling down her beautiful face.

"Shh, don't cry, Jen," I softly said, pulling her against me, while wiping her face with my handkerchief, "Please don't be sad."

"How am I supposed to feel, Michael?" she continued crying, "I haven't heard from you once in ten years. Did I not mean anything to you at all?"

"Of course you did," I told her, "I wish I could tell you what was going on in my life, but I couldn't...I just couldn't."

"When I was in college, I went down to Coronado Island where your mother told me that you were stationed looking for you," she sobbed, "And the Navy wouldn't tell me anything...they would only acknowledge that you were stationed there and that was it. They only told me how to could get a hold of you by mail, and that was it. I even wrote to you, and never once did you answer me."

"I can't explain it, Jen," I told her, "I'm sorry, but I really can't."

"What happened to you while you were in the Navy, Michael?" she sobbed, "Please tell me...please," and then she laid her head in my lap and continued to bitterly weep."

After I got Jenny calmed down enough to talk to her, I wiped her eyes and said, "Maybe one day I can talk about it, but just not now. That's the best I can do, Jen, so; please try to understand, okay?"

"I'll try, Michael," she sniffled, wrapping her arms around my neck, "Just don't go ten more years without talking to me again, please?"

"I promise," I smiled, kissing her soft cheek, "Okay?"

"I have a favor to ask of you, Michael," she softly said, "Will you come back to my place and spend the night...please?"

"Okay," I relented, "Let's go..."

~~~~~~

The thing that was wrong with me, as well as the reason that I got so defensive with my father earlier that evening, and I didn't know this at the time, was because I was suffering from what psychiatrists call Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or what is now known as P.T.S.D.

It is a disorder that is very common among combat veterans. After the Civil War here in the United States, it was called Soldiers Heart, after World War I, it was called Shell Shock, and after World War II it was known as Combat Fatigue. Only after the war in Vietnam, Desert Storm, and the Iraqi War, as well as the War in Afghanistan was it called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; and the shitty thing about all of it, is that the government still refuses to believe that it exists.

I wonder how the asshole politicians in Washington D.C. would feel if they had to go into a hot Landing Zone. It would never happen because those selfish pricks don't care about anyone but themselves. Hell, they've repeatedly shown us that we can't count on them for a fucking thing. Anyway, now that I've had my rant...lol...back to the story.

The reason that I had PTSD was because that, a couple of months before I got out of the Navy, I saw my entire team blown to hell and back right before my eyes...and there was nothing, I mean nothing I could do about it.. We, and there were six of us, were in Beirut Lebanon trying to evacuate a Diplomat and his family to a safe place for extraction.

"Because I was my team's Corpsman, (Medic), the civilians were my responsibility. Once we got to them, my Commanding Officer ordered me to evacuate with the Diplomat and his family. There were twenty terrorist on our asses, and they almost had us surrounded, and pinned down. However, the rest of the team resisted them long enough for me to get the civilians out harm's way, before I heard my C.O. calling in an air strike on their position.

As the helicopter was lifting off and extracting me and the civilians to safety, I heard the shells being fired from U.S. Naval ships offshore, and then seconds later the shells found their target, killing not only the terrorists, but my entire team as well. I won't go into detail, but the feelings of sadness, mixed with hatred and anger that arose within me had to be kept at bay for the sake of the civilians that were under my care.

I was forced to deal with those feelings on my own with no help from the United States government at all; and the shittiest part of the whole deal, was the fact that the operation we were on was considered to be top secret at the time. Therefore the families of my team mates were informed that their loved ones were killed in a training accident. Jeez, what a load of horse shit that was. Worst of all, I can still hear the screams of my friends as the shells were raining down upon them, every time I lay my head down to sleep at night.


A Promise Kept Ch. 01



That's not something that I wanted to talk to anyone about back then, and I still don't know why I mention it now, if only to honor those brave souls who sacrificed their own lives so that others might live on. Forgive me, but I still get a little upset when I thing about it, and even more so when I talk about it, but those facts hold a lot of bearing in this story, hence the reason I shared it. And although I won't mention their names, I ask only that you pray that God will watch over their souls when you go to sleep after reading this.

~~~~~~

When Jenny and I arrived at her place, a condominium that wasn't too far down the beach from where we were, she took me by the hand and led me inside once she'd unlocked and opened her door.

~~~~~~

Chapter Two

"I'm so glad that you're here with me tonight, Michael," Jenny breathed, pressing her entire body against the whole length of mine, "Will you make love to me? I've really missed you."

To say that we fucked with wild abandon would not be true. Instead, we took our time, making love at our leisure, and although I didn't think it would ever be possible; I was again back in a moment that I could've sworn was gone forever. We did, however, stay up all night doing it, and as I opened my eyes after napping from making love to Jenny for the fourth time that night, I saw the morning sun breaking over the horizon, beginning it's ascent into the morning sky.

"Mmm," Jenny purred rubbing her naked body against mine, "I really loved being with you all night, Michael."

"I had a good time, too," I smiled, as I gently hugged her, "But I do have to get back home at some point."

"Can I ask you something, Michael?" Jenny quietly inquired, "And it's only because I can't get anyone else to tell me."

"Alright," I sighed, knowing what was next, "What would you like to know?"

"Brittany said I should ask you myself so; here it is," she said, "What was it that you were doing for the Navy that made you feel like you couldn't at least answer the letters I sent you?" 

"I'll talk about this only once," I replied, "And then I never want to speak of these things again, okay, Jenny?"

"Alright, Michael," she said, "I'm all ears."

"You already know that I was forced to join the Navy," I began, "Once I finished with basic training, I went to Hospital Corpsman "A" school and became a Navy Corpsman, a medic."

"Jeez, that's all?" she asked, "You could've told me that you..."

"Do you want to hear this or not?" I interrupted her, making her nod her head, "Please let me finish. After I got out of "A" school, the career guidance officer showed me a training film about the U.S. Navy's SEAL Teams."

"I know what they are," she interrupted again, "Jesus Christ, Michael...you could've been killed. I hear that they do a lot of crazy and very dangerous things. What were you thinking?"

I was thinking that you wanted to hear what I was going to tell you," I disgustedly replied, getting out of the bed and getting dressed, "But I guess not because you won't let me talk so; will you please take me home instead?"

"I'm sorry, baby, please don't get mad," she pleaded, "I won't say another word...I swear. Please don't make me take you home yet...please?"

"Alright," I sighed, sitting back down on the bed, and then I proceeded to tell her about losing my entire team; not so much how, but about the fact that I lost them just the same, as well as how it affected me. And when I as done, she looked at me and dispassionately said, "Those guys knew what they were getting into, Michael. Besides, no one forced them to do something stupid enough to get themselves blown up. You need to get over it."

"You don't know what the hell you're talking about, dammit," I angrily snapped, standing back up to finish dressing myself, "Until you take a human life, or see a human life needlessly wasted, then you'll never understand what I'm talking about."

"Of course I've never killed anyone," she hatefully spat, "Only animals kill people."

"So, you think I'm an animal then?" I painfully asked, not giving her the chance to reply, "I think that it's best that we not see each other again. You're still as selfish as you always were and you'll never understand anything that has to do with human compassion, because it's not in you to do so. I'm out of here, and I want you to stay as far the hell away from me as you can, do you understand me, you cold blooded bitch?" and then I turned and angrily stomped out of the room, slamming her front door on my way out of her house.

"YOU CAN GO TO HELL, MICHAEL," she yelled at the top of her lungs as I was leaving, "YOU'RE AN ASSHOLE..."

~~~~~~

I walked two miles down the beach to what used to be "Paulie's Bait House" and called my little sister at home.

"Hullo," she groggily answered the phone.

After I explained what had happened, Brittany sweetly told me, "You stay right there, Mikey. I'll be there in twenty minutes to get you, okay, big brother?"

"Okay, I'll be here," I quietly replied, "And thanks, baby girl."

"Aw, sweetie," she gently told me, "It's no problem at all. I'll see ya soon," and then she quickly hung the phone up."

After I got off the phone to Brittany, I went inside the store, and yes they were open at that early hour, to get a cup of coffee. I was thankful that it was at least freshly made, and after putting my usual cream and sugar, I took a seat on the bench outside and waited for my sweet little sister to come and get me. As I sat there drinking my coffee, I thought about the night I'd spent with Jenny. It started off very good, and then for reasons I still can't understand, when I began to tell her what she wanted to know, she suddenly became defensive, almost downright mean. For the life of me I couldn't figure out why someone, especially her, would feel so callous and cold about the way I lost my friends, but then again I realized that some people are afraid, or even worse, they condemn the things that they don't understand.

Still though, the one good thing that came out of it was that I now knew where I truly stood with Jenny Meyers, and that my leaving here had truly been a good thing to do, especially if she was going to act like that. I also knew that unless someone had been standing there beside me on the day my friend were killed, then there was no way in hell that they could never begin to even imagine the feelings of despair that were eating me alive from the inside out.

I looked out over the ocean, smelling the salt air as I started to remember that wretched day. However, right before my eyes began to feel the sting of the tears that were about to fill them, I heard Brittany's car pulling into the parking lot of Paulie's."

"Hey, cutie," I heard her giggling out of her window, "You want a ride?"

"I don't know," I teased, "Is that tub you're driving safe enough to get in without killing me?"

"Shut your ass up and get your ass in," she smiled, "Mom just started breakfast as I was leaving the house, and she told me that she was gonna kick your ass if we're the slightest bit late."

"Oh, shit," I mocked her, "I guess I'd better get in then."

"Yeah," she loudly cackled, "I think you should, too."

~~~~~~

"So, tell me why I'm picking you up instead of the fabulous Jenny Meyers driving you home this morning," Brittany sarcastically asked, "Why isn't she driving you home? What's the matter, did you two have a lover's quarrel?"

"As a matter of fact, we did," I knowingly grinned, "I detect a hint of dislike for her in your voice, sis. You wanna talk about it?"

"Oh, Michael," Brittany sniffled, "You should've heard the awful things she said about you after you left to join the Navy.

"Is that right?" I asked, "We've still got about twenty minutes before we get to the house so; why don't you fill me in, sis?"

"Actually, she started talking a bunch of shit about you right after your trial," she began, "And then after you left it got progressively worse. She told people things that weren't true; things like you'd robbed a bank and raped a couple of women while doing it...but don't worry, Mikey, I went behind her back and set the people that she'd said those things to straight and told them the truth."

"Thanks sweetie," I softly told her, taking her hand, "I really love you. I hope you know that."

"I do," Brittany smiled, as tears began to fill her eyes, "I really missed you while you were gone, Michael."

Whenever my sister called me by my full name I knew that she was either angry with me, or she was being serious; and because of the tears in her eyes, I knew it was the latter of the two.

"I used to hear Mom and Dad talking about what it was you were doing in the Navy," she sniffled, "And I was so afraid that something bad was going to happen to you," by this time she was openly crying, "I was so scared that you were going to get killed, and I'm sorry for being such a baby, Michael, but you're the only brother I'll ever have, and I just love you, that's all."

"It's okay, baby girl," I softly told her, using the name I called her when she was just a little girl, "I'm home now, and I'm safe...I promise."

"Maybe so," she sniffled, beginning to calm back down, "But you're not the same, Mikey...please talk to me. I'm really worried about you."

"It's really hard to talk about right now, Brit," I quietly said, tears beginning to fill my own eyes, "Please try to understand, okay, sweetie."

"I want you to know that I do understand, more than you know," she told me, a smile on her beautiful face, "And when you're ready to talk about it, I'm right here for you, Michael, okay?"

"Thanks, Sis," I replied, "I really appreciate it, and I love you very much."

"I know you do, sweetie," she softly replied, looking at me from the corner of her eye as she drove us home, "And I love you, too."

~~~~~~

"It's about time you got your butt back here, boy," Mom smiled, as I kissed her cheek on my way through the kitchen from the back door and into the house, "I though we were going to have to call out the National Guard to go looking for you."

"Good morning, Mom," I grinned, "Mmm, it sure smells good in here," then looking around and not seeing him, I asked, "Where's Dad?"

"Where do you think he is?" she giggled, "Today is Saturday so; he and Ken Matlock went to knock out eighteen holes this morning."

"Oh, cool," I grinned, "Speaking of which, how are the Matlocks these days?"

"They're doing very well," Mom knowingly grinned, Sara (Kens wife) told me to tell you hello, and welcome home."

"Tell her that I said, thank you," I smiled, remembering Mrs. Matlock when I was a youngster, "She was always so nice to me."

"Yeah, she was," Brittany teased, "And Kara Matlock still has the biggest crush on you so; now that you're home, don't be surprised if she comes sniffing around here looking for you."

"Jeez, Brit," I chuckled, "Will you give me a break?"

"Hell no," she giggled, "I ain't giving you shit, big brother."

"Dammit Brittany," Mom chided her, "I can't understand how such filthy language can come from someone so pretty."

"It's easy, Mom," Brit laughed, "I get it from Dad, and you know that's the truth."

"Maybe so," Mom grinned, "He gets a little fired up when he's pissed off, doesn't he?"

"That's not the half of it," my sister laughed, "You should've heard him the other day when he accidentally knocked his tool box off of the shelf in the garage," and then she looked at me, "It was so funny, Mikey."

"I know," I chuckled, "I remember him getting pissed off about different things when I was in high school. He can cuss worse than anyone I've ever heard, and I was in the Navy for ten years."

"Uh huh," my sister giggled, "And you think that I'm bad, Mom? Dad is a thousand times worse than I ever will be."

"Mom so," Mom scolded, "But you should at least try to watch your mouth, young lady."

"Okay, Mom," Brit smiled, "I'll try harder, I promise."

"Bullshit," I whispered to her, "You always had a trash mouth and you ain't about to change for anyone."

"Fuck off, Mikey," Brittany spat.

"Dammit, Brittany," Mom said, "Will you stop?"

"Come on, Mom," my sister whined, "Besides, Mikey started it."

"I give up," Mom growled, "Don't blame it on me when you end up to be an old maid, because no man will want anything to do with you and your nasty mouth, dammit."

"Humph," Brit hatefully snorted, "I've head a lot worse come out of your mouth when you and Dad are upstairs having sex, Mom."

"That's enough, Brittany Leigh," Mom angrily said, coming from the kitchen to stand face to face with my sister, with her face turning red in not only anger but also embarrassment, "I'm still your mother, this is still my house, and I don't want to hear another fucking word. Do you understand me, little girl?"

Knowing that my little sister had purposefully crossed a line that she knew she shouldn't have, I stood up and got between her and Mom, and said, "Come on, you two, why don't we all just calm down, okay?" Then I glared at my sister and told her, "Brittany, I believe you owe Mom an apology."

"He's right, Mom," my sister said, shamefully looking at the ground, "I'm sorry, and I shouldn't have said something so terrible to you. Please forgive me?"

"Just don't do it again," Mom said, never being able to stay angry with either me or my sister for as far back as I could remember, "I just love you, baby girl and I want to see good things happen for you. Can you understand that, honey?"

"Yes, ma'am," Brit sniffled, placing her arms around Mom, "And I love you, too...I'm really sorry, Mom."

"Aw, don't worry about it, sweetie, Mom smiled, patting Brit on the butt, something else she's done for as far back as I can remember, "It'll be alright. Now come on and help me put breakfast on the table, okay?"

"Okay, Mom," Brit giggled, and then followed Mom back into the kitchen.

My Mom and sister had always butted heads ever since my sister turned about twelve or thirteen, which was right before I left for the service. But they never stayed mad at each other for more than a few minutes...and seeing this happen again let me know that the continuity of family was just what I needed, just when I needed it, and maybe I was going to be alright after all.

Still though, I had demons that I'd not yet faced, and in the realization of that fact I could feel the darkness that followed me home from the Navy manifesting itself in the darkest, deepest, most secret reaches of my soul. And little did I realize that it was going to get a lot worse before it got better? However, what I also didn't realize was that my salvation would come from a place I would've never in the world expected.

~~~~~~

That afternoon when Dad came home from playing golf with one of our longtime family friends, Ken Matlock, he immediately asked me if he and I could go into his study to talk.

"Okay, Dad," I smiled, as I took a seat across from him at his desk, "What do you wanna talk about?"

"I think I might have a job for you," he knowingly grinned, "If you're interested, that is."

"Okay, I'll bite," I said, humoring him, "What kind of job are we talking about here?"

"Correct me if I'm wrong," he began, "But before you joined the Navy, did you, or did you not say that you wanted to be a teacher...specifically a history teacher?"

"Well, yeah," I said, "But that was before I got into trouble, and was forced to join the Navy."

"If I'm not mistaken, didn't the Navy pay for you to get your Master's Degree in History while you were in their service, Mike?"

"Yeah, I did," I replied, "But like I said, I got into trouble with the law and I..."

"Hold it right there, son," Dad knowingly grinned, "Think about this. The judge said that he would drop the charges against you if you went into the Navy, didn't he?"

"That's right," I excitedly smiled, having almost forgotten that fact, "He sure did; didn't he?"

"Yes, he did," Dad chuckled, "And that means that your record is squeaky clean, which also means that any college would jump at the chance to have you on their faculty. So, now what do you think?"

"I think that's great," I smiled, "But what college are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about the University of Houston," Dad grinned, "You know that Ken Matlock is the dean of education there, yes?"

"No, I didn't know that," I chuckled, "So, what does that mean for me?"

"Two things," Dad smiled, "They not only need a history professor, but they also need a coach for their co-ed Karate Team; and with your military background, as well as the fact that you've got your Master's Degree in History, I think that you'd be the perfect person for both jobs."

"Oh, man, that would be great," I excitedly grinned, "So, what do I need to do?"

Nothing yet," he said, "The Matlocks are going to be here for dinner tonight, and you and Ken can talk about it then, okay?"

"Thanks, Dad," I appreciatively replied, "I can't begin to tell you what this means to me."

"I think I understand more than you know," he gently replied, coming around from behind his desk and pulling me into his arms, "Don't forget that I fought in "The Nam" when you were just a little guy, or don't you remember? Granted, I only did two tours there, but it was enough for me to understand where you're coming from."

Is that right?" I asked, "But you told me that you an administrative assistant for some Army General at the U.S. Embassy in Saigon and didn't see any action."

"I didn't tell you the whole truth, son," he began, "I was there in nineteen sixty-eight during the Tet Offensive; and yes, I was an administrative assistant, but because I was also in the Army, I was a soldier first. Anyway, when the Viet Cong hit the embassy, the world started going to hell around me. It only lasted a couple of weeks before Charlie retreated back across the border into Cambodia, but I was scared shitless nonetheless. Then when I volunteered to go back in sixty-nine, I was assigned to a Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) team. It was there that I saw some terrible shit that I never want to remember so; don't think that I can't see that you've got P.T.S.D., just like I did for a long time; and to be totally honest, I still have those fucked up dreams sometimes, too, just not as often as I used to."

"Shit, Dad," I quietly replied, "Why didn't you ever tell anyone about it?"

"Think about it, son," he smiled, with tears beginning to appear in his eyes, "You don't like talking about what you did, do you?"

"Hell, no," I said, "I hate even thinking about that shit."

"Then that's why I don't like talking about what I went through, Mike," Dad smiled.

"I understand now," I told him, "But does it ever go away?"

"Unfortunately not," Dad said, wiping his eyes with his handkerchief, "But I learned how to make friends with those dreams after enough time passed, and hopefully you will, too."

"Thank you, Dad," I quietly replied, wiping my eyes as I hugged him, "In case I haven't told you lately, I love you very much; and I'm glad that you're my father."

"I love you, too, son," he smiled, returning the hug, "And I'm very proud of you...I always have been..."

~~~~~~

That afternoon was the day that my father and I transcended the father/son relationship that I'd always found comfort in, and became the very best of friends. Not only had we opened our hearts to one another, but we'd also shared our fears with each other, and I found that my father and I both shared many of the same fears, eternally binding our spirits together, which only strengthened the blood relationship we already had...

~~~~~~

At Seven-thirty that evening The Matlocks, Ken Sara, and their daughter Kara came to our house for dinner. I could see the Kan and Sara had visibly grown a little, but not too much, older since I'd last seen them, However, Kara on the other hand, had gone through a transformation which, had I not know her when we were both young, I wouldn't have believed it.




A Promise Kept Ch. 01



As a teenager she'd always been slightly plump. Don't get me wrong, she'd always had a pretty face, because she looked exactly like her mother, and Ms. Sara was a very attractive woman. However, Kara had let her deep dark brown hair grow out to her waist, which was now small enough that I could probably place both of my hands around and not have very much distance between the two.

And it was very difficult for me not to notice that she might've lost the weight from around her body, but her breasts were deliciously plump and round, and now I found myself beginning to get lost in her dark brown, almost black eyes. Needless to say, I found her very attractive, and had it not been for my being trained to maintain my composure in stressful situations, I would've been tripping over my tongue by that time, completely at a loss for words. However, my discomfort was apparently obvious to my sister, but to her credit, she chose not to tease me about it at the time. She did later though, but just not then.

"Hello, Michael," Kara sweetly smiled, as she gently hugged me, "It's been a long time since I've seen you, too long."

"Yes it has," I politely replied, "You look great, Kara."

"Thank you," she purred, "You don't know how good it makes me feel to hear you say that."

"Hi, Mikey," Ms, Sara delightfully grinned, "Come over here and give me a hug, you handsome thing."

"Hi, Ms. Sara," I grinned, finding the same comfort in her arms that I did as a child, "It's so good to see you, and you're looking as pretty as ever."

"Listen to you," she giggled, "What a silver tongued devil you've become."

"Nah, not me," I chuckled, "I'm just telling the truth, that's all."

"Well than you, sweetie," she smiled, "It's so good to see you, baby boy. I've missed you."

"Let the boy have a breath, honey," Mr. Ken chuckled, "How're you doing these days, Mike?"

"I'm doing well, sir," I smiled, as we shook hands, "Thank you for asking."

"I've got a proposition for you," he knowingly grinned, "But we'll talk about that a little later, after we've eaten, okay?"

"Yes sir," I happily replied, "I look forward to it."

~~~~~~

I was seated next Kara at the dinner table that night, with my sister on the other side of me. I still couldn't believe how beautiful Kara had grown up to be, and was really enjoying just being near her. She kept me engaged in conversation all throughout dinner, which, Mom had made Lasagna, and it was as always, delicious.

However, when desert came, Ms. Sara brought out a coconut crème pie, which she knew I'd always loved, especially when she made it; and it brought a huge smile to my face when she told me, "I made this just for you, Michael, sweetheart, because I know how much you love to eat this when you were just a little fella," and of course my face turned beet red in embarrassment.

"Don't let her embarrass you, Michael," Kara sweetly told me, patting my leg beneath the table, "She loves you, that's all...as a matter of fact, there are a lot of people that love you...very much." Of course when she said this, her face turned a very bright red, letting me know that the childhood crush she'd had on me might still exist; and when I thought about it, I realized that I sure could do a hell of a lot worse. One thought that briefly crossed my mind was the fact that I'd known Kara all of my life, and I also knew that she would always be good to me no matter what.

However, I also considered that a girl as beautiful as Kara surely already had a boyfriend that probably loved her more than anything, and maybe the thought of her wanting to be with someone like me was just a case of wishful thinking on my part. Still though, she sure was a pretty thing, that much was certain, but I had nothing to offer her, and it would take more than a childhood crush to sustain a meaningful relationship with someone so beautiful...

~~~~~~

Chapter Three

After dinner was done with, and everyone had eaten their fill, Dad and Mr. Ken took me back into Dad's study to talk. From the looks on both of their faces, I could tell that something good was about to happen for me, especially considering the talk I'd had earlier that day with Dad.

"So, tell me, Mike," Mr. Ken smiled, "Now that you're out of the Navy, have you made any plans on what you want to do, occupationally speaking?"

"Maybe," I knowingly chuckled, "I understand that there might a couple of openings at the U of H, sir."

"You're right, kiddo," he grinned, "And according to what your father told me, you might be the perfect candidate for both of those openings, too. However, before we discuss that, I'd like to know what you think about working in a teaching position, especially with your military background being what it is."

"I mean no disrespect, Mister Ken," I began, "But I don't really see how my military background applies to being a teacher."

"No disrespect taken, young Michael," he warmly smiled, "But you have to understand that doing the type of work you've done, has a very strong impact on the history of this country, son; and while quite I'm certain that I'll never be able to understand the things that you've experienced, I do know that every Navy SEAL who's ever served this great country has made his own personal sacrifices to be in the positions that each and every one of you who have survived now stand in. I also want to express to you my personal gratitude for doing what you did to keep us all free, whatever it was."

"Thank you, Mister Ken," I quietly replied, as I shook his hand, "But I was just doing my job, sir, no more, no less."

"I think that you've just answered my question, too," he happily chuckled, "And I know that you'll fit in perfectly at the U of H, Mike. How soon can you start? Classes begin in less than a month."

"I can start whenever you want me to," I grinned, "Just tell me where I need to be, and when I need to be there."

"That's great," he excitedly replied, "Be at my office in the primary administration building at eight o'clock Monday morning, and we'll get you all set up."

"Thank you for this opportunity, Mister Ken," I widely smiled, shaking his hand, "I promise that I won't let you down."

"I don't doubt that one bit, Mike, and I have every confidence that you'll do well," he chuckled, giving me the same fatherly hug he'd been giving me my whole life, "But you need to be ready to hit the ground running, son."

"No problem," I confidently smiled, "I'll do my very best, Mister Ken."

"Oh, one more thing, Mike," he smiled, "Now that you're a grown man, why don't you call me just plain old Ken...alright?"

"Okay, Ken," I said, "And if you ever find yourself waiting on me, then you'll be backing up."

"Good," he laughed, "Why don't we go back into your parent's living room before the women send out a search party to look for us?"

"Send a search party?" Dad asked, "No, they wouldn't do that, they're just nosy, that's all," which elicited a hearty laugh from the three of us.

~~~~~~

The Navy had released me a full week early; however, because I was still considered to be on active duty, and out of respect, I wore my dress uniform, summer whites, to the interview at University of Houston.

~~~~~~

"May I help you, sir?" the pretty young lady who obviously Ken's secretary asked me, when I appeared in his office the following Monday morning.

"Yes, ma'am," I courteously replied, "My name is Master Chief Michael Walker, and I've got an eight o'clock appointment with Doctor Matlock."

"Oh, my goodness, I'm terribly sorry, Masterchief," she very nicely replied, as she stood, "Please, if you'll follow me, I'll take you right to him."

~~~~~~

"I apologize, Masterchief Walker," the lady said, escorting me down the hall as we drew stares from everyone we encountered along the way, "I wasn't expecting to see a man in uniform, I guess."

"I'll tell you what," I smiled, "My name is Mike, what's yours?"

"Renee," she grinned, "And it's nice to meet you, Mike. Doctor Matlock is expecting you," and then we arrived at his door, which was standing wide open.

"Mike...so good to see you," he grinned, "Thank you, Renee, would you be so kind as to bring Masterchief Walker a cup of coffee, please? How do you take it, Mike?"

"Cream and two sugars, please," I replied, "Thank you, Renee."

"Oh, no problem, Mike," she giggled, "I'll be right back," and then she was gone.

"Come in and take a seat, Mike," Ken chuckled, "I really like the uniform, but you didn't have to wear it, blue jeans and a shirt would've been perfectly alright."

"I did it because I'm still on active duty for the rest of the week, after which my discharge will be final," I informed him, "The Navy released me early as a personal favor from my Commanding Admiral."

"That's was nice of him," Ken said, "He sounds like a very nice guy to me."

"He really is," I smiled, "And he's a great friend who really cares about all of his men, and is on a first name basis with every single one of them, too."

"It's funny you should say that, Mike," Ken knowingly smiled, "Because I'm the same way with the people that work under me, too, because I fell that it makes for a common respect between all of us...and I can't wait to introduce you to the rest of the faculty, one of whom you know quite well already."

"Is that right," I chuckled, "And who would that be?"

"She...would be my daughter, Kara," he chuckled, "She doesn't know that you're going to be teaching here so; if it's alright with you, I'd like to surprise her when we have our first faculty meeting this afternoon."

About that time, Renee returned with our coffee; and when she placed my cup in front of me on Ken's desk, she looked at me with a smile on her pretty face and told me, "I hope I got it right, Mike. If not, just let me know and I'll make you another cup of coffee."

"Let's see," I grinned, taking a sip, and of course it tasted as though I'd made it myself so, I smiled and said, "You got it perfect; thank you very much, Miss Renee, or is it Missus."

"Oh, no," she girlishly smiled, "It's Miss, but thank you just the same for asking," and then she walked out of Ken's office looking at me over her shoulder every other step, disappearing after three or four steps.

"You'll have to forgive her, Mike," Ken laughed, "I think it's the uniform that's making her like that."

"Leave her alone," I chuckled, "I think she's a nice person."

"She is," he smiled, "And she's very good at her job, but there are a number of single female faculty members here so; don't be surprised if they all act like her around you. Hell Mike, you and I both know that you've never had a problem where the ladies are concerned. My wife even said how charming she thought you were now that you've grown up."

"I love Ms. Sara very much, and I always will," I kindly replied, "The both of you have been like a second set of parents to me ever since I was a little boy."

"I know, Mike," he sincerely replied, "And I've always thought of you as the son I always wanted, but never had. However, when we're here at work we've got to be..."

"I know what you mean, Ken," I politely interrupted him, "And I would never compromise your position here, okay?"

"I know you wouldn't," he grinned, "I also trust you more than anyone here, just so you know."

"Alright then, Doctor Matlock," I teased, taking the last sip of my coffee and standing up, "Am I going to get my own office, too?"

"Why certainly, Professor Walker," he laughed, "If you'll follow me, please?"

~~~~~~

Ken basically took me on a tour of the campus, showing me where my office was in the History Department's building, which, to be totally honest, thrilled me to no end. And when he told me that I would actually have two offices, the other being in the athletic building, I felt blessed because not only was I a history professor now, but also a coach, too.

I was introduced to my department head, and/or my immediate boss, Dr. Carolyn Hanson, a very nice lady who was as gentle as she was kind. I'd say that she stood roughly five feet, seven inches tall, weighed about a hundred and twenty pounds, and had her long blonde hair tied back in a pony tail. Her green eyes showed that she was not only very intelligent and educated, but she also seemed thrilled to meet me.

"Professor Walker," she cordially smiled, shaking my hand, "I've heard many wonderful things about you, and now that I've been given the opportunity to meet a real, live United States Navy SEAL, I find that this is something particularly thrilling for me. Thank you for your service, Professor, it's an honor to meet you, and I look forward to working with you."

"No, thank you for this opportunity, Doctor Hanson," I warmly replied, as I gently shook her hand, "And just so that you know, the honor is mine, ma'am."

"Please," she girlishly chuckled, "Feel free to call me Carolyn."

"Thank you, Carolyn," I smiled, "In that case; I want you to feel free to call me Michael, or Mike, like the rest of my friends do."

"So, your name is Michael huh?" she smiled, "My goodness, the nobility of such a name matches what I'm sure were very noble deeds you did while you were in the Navy, yes?"

"I don't know about that," I respectfully replied, "I was just doing my job, no more, no less."

"And so humble, too," she adoringly grinned, "I have a feeling that you'll fit in quite well in this department, and I look forward to working with you in the future, Michael."

"As do I, you," I quietly replied, "I just don't want to disappoint you, because I will tell you right now that my teaching methods are about as unconventional as they come."

"Wonderful," she widely smiled, "I'm all about using fresh new ideas, as well as breaking the glass ceiling when it comes to teaching... that makes me want to go back to college all over again, Michael; and like I've already said, I look forward to watching you teach the bright young minds that're going to be on campus this year..."

~~~~~~

"Holy shit," Ken chuckled, once we were outside, "It seems that you've made quite an impression on Doctor Hanson, Mike."

"I only have one question for you, Ken," I firmly replied, "And please be honest with me, okay?"

"Of course," he knowingly laughed, "I've never lied to you before, son. What do you wanna know?"

"What did she mean when she said that she's heard many wonderful things about me?" I asked, "Have I been set up here?"

"No, not really," he laughed, "It's just that, well...your father told me that you had expressed to him that you wanted to be a teacher before you joined the Navy so; I just presented you with an opportunity, and when you accepted my offer, I called Carolyn this past weekend and told her that you would be here to take over the position, that's all. I swear, Mike."

"I can tell that you're an underhanded son of a bitch," I laughed, "I can also see that I'm going to have to grow eyes in the back of my head from now on, especially around you," which of course elicited a hearty laugh from the both of us.

"Lighten up, Mike," Ken chuckled, "It could be a lot worse, believe me."

"That's the trouble," I laughed, "I do believe you."

"Come on," he smiled, "Let me take you and show you your other office."

"I have two offices," I incredulously asked, as Ken nodded his head, "Holy shit, it just gets better..."

~~~~~~

"This is so cool," I excitedly grinned, as we walked across campus, "Tell me something, Ken, are there any other faculty members who are like me, and teach two totally different subjects?"

There's one," he knowingly grinned, "However, because of issues concerning adequate space, you and her will be sharing the office in the athletic building."

"Her," I questioned, "And what two subjects does she teach?"

"She...teaches Chemistry, and has an office in the Science Department's building," he knowingly smirked, which I totally missed at the time, "But she's also your assistant coach, hence the reason that you two will share the same office."

"I can live with that," I contentedly replied, "So, when do I get to meet her?"

"Hopefully this afternoon at the faculty meeting;" he grinned, looking at his wristwatch, "Which is going to be held in the main auditorium in about twenty minutes so, I think it would be wise if we started heading that way. However, if you don't get the chance to meet your assistant coach there, then you will certainly meet her when classes convene."

~~~~~~

After going back to Ken's office so that he could pick up his briefcase, I followed him to the main auditorium, taking a seat in the very back row, while he made his way to the stage right before the faculty meeting began.

~~~~~~

The President of the college, Dr. Robert Dresden, spoke first, welcoming the faculty into the new semester following this past summer break. As he spoke about the advantages of being a teacher/professor at the U of H, I scanned the room looking for Kara, knowing she was there somewhere.

Although I couldn't see her at the moment, I figured it was only a matter of time before we ran into one another, and to be honest, it was a time that I was looking forward to. I still couldn't believe the transformation that she'd undergone while I'd been off serving my country. And the more I thought about it, the more I found myself barely being able to wait until I could once again get lost in the calm stillness of her beautiful dark brown, doe eyes. Little did I realize at the time that it would those same eyes in which I would find peace, rest, absolution, and last but certainly not least; protection from the demons that were haunting my soul?

Suddenly I heard Dr. Kenneth Matlock's voice echoing through the auditorium, and as I looked up, I saw his smiling face looking directly at me from behind the podium at which he stood.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," he began, "I'm very excited to introduce someone who has recently been hired to fill in the two slots left open by his predecessors here at the U of H, not only will he be teaching World History, American History, and Contemporary American History, but he will also be coaching our new Coeducational Karate team. Allow me to introduce soon to be retired, United States Navy Masterchief, Mike Walker, who, it just so happens, was also a Navy SEAL...standup Mike so that everyone can see you," and as I stood, I heard Ken say, "Let's give him a nice round of applause to make him feel at home," followed by loud applause that loudly sounded throughout the whole auditorium...

~~~~~~

After the faculty meeting came to a conclusion, I found myself surrounded by several different people introducing themselves and telling me how happy they were to have me as a faculty member. To be honest, I was beginning to feel a little overwhelmed until I saw Kara working her way through the crowd to come stand next to me and take me by the arm.

"He's a great guy, everyone," Kara announced, "I've known him all my life, and he's always been a real sweetie," which of course made my face turn a bright shade of red, embarrassing ,e to no end.

"Come with me," she whispered in my ear, "I'll get you out of here, sweetie."

However, right before she led me out of the auditorium, I looked at everyone and politely said, "It's been very nice meeting you all; and I hope that we can find the time to talk again, thank you for the warm welcome."

~~~~~~

"Holy cow," I grinned, as soon as we were outside the auditorium, "That was interesting."

"So, I guess Daddy roped you into teaching here, huh?" Kara giggled.

"Not really," I smiled, "I always wanted to be a teacher before I got into trouble and had to join the Navy. Your father just gave me the opportunity to do it, that's all."

"I remember that," Kara sadly smiled, "I always knew that it was Lance Howard's fault and not yours. He was always in some kind of trouble back in those days."




A Promise Kept Ch. 01



"It's okay now," I told her, "The judge told me at my trial that he would drop the charges against me if I joined the military so; that's what I did."

"I know," she sweetly replied, "You wouldn't believe how I...uh, I mean, we all missed you while you were gone, Michael. But you're home for good now and that's all that matters...to me anyway," and then she grabbed my hand and said, "Come with me...I'll take you out for a late lunch...if you want to, that is," as she unconsciously batted those big beautiful dark brown eyes of hers at me.

"I'd love to," I smiled, "Thank you, Kara."

"You're very welcome, Michael," she warmly replied, still holding my hand, "Come...we'll take my car."

"Lead the way, m'lady," I grinned, "I'm at the mercy of your every whim."

"If only that were true," she mumbled, under her breath, not meaning for me to hear it, and I acted accordingly.

"Where are we going?" I asked, "I never learned my way around Houston very well."

"Hmm," she lightheartedly teased, "I guess you truly are at my mercy now, huh Michael?"

"I suppose so," I softly replied, as I gently squeezed her hand, "But I can think of a hell of a lot more terrible places to be than being here with you."

"Oh, Michael," she gently purred, as we approached her car, "What a sweet thing to say to someone."

"I wasn't saying that to just anyone," I gently told her, "I was saying that to you, Kara."

"Thank you," she tenderly replied, as we were getting into her car, "There's something I want to talk to you about whenever we get the chance, Michael; and I want to wait until we can sit down and talk somewhere where I can have your undivided attention." 

"Okay, pretty lady," I said, trying to hide my excitement at the possibility that she might feel the same way about me that I was only just beginning to feel about her, "Whenever you're ready, all you have to do is let me know."

"Don't worry, handsome," she softly told me, taking my hand again after starting her car and putting it into gear, "You'll be the first to know, I promise, Michael."

~~~~~~

Kara took me to a place down south in Galveston which is no longer there, called "Borsellino's". It was well known for not only its Italian cuisine, but also its romantic atmosphere. She had Chicken Marsala while I ate a rather large Mushroom and Crab stuffed Tortellini, covered in their homemade Marinara sauce with Mozzarella Cheese over the top of it, all of which was baked, and the cheese was still bubbling when it was served. Plenty of Garlic bread sat in a basket on the table, with Chianti, and to say that I was full when we finished would be a huge understatement.

However, we were afforded the opportunity to talk while we ate, and throughout the conversation, I could tell that Kara had something on her mind the whole time we were there. I could no longer take it, and in doing so, I finally brought things out in the open.

"Kara, honey," I smiled, reaching across the table and gently taking her hand, "I can tell that there's something on your mind, and I would really love it if you'd share it with e, maybe I can help, but you've gotta trust me enough to open up to me, sweetie."

"Oh, Michael," she tenderly replied, "If anyone can help me with what's on my mind, believe me, it's you."

"Then let me help you," I earnestly told her, "Anything you tell me in confidence will not go anywhere else, I promise, okay?"

"Alright then," she said, sitting up and looking directly into my eyes, "It's like this, Michael; I'm in love with you, and I have been ever since we were both little," and because of the stupefied look on my face, Kara smiled and said, "So, have I totally scared you off, or what?"

"Not at all," I quietly smiled, once I regained my composure, "You don't know this, but what you just said, honors me more than anyone, or anything ever has; and to tell you the truth, I've find myself thinking about you more and more these day, Kara. I don't know why, and I can't explain it, but it's the truth."

"Really, Michael?" she wistfully asked, smiling widely as happy tears began to fill her eyes, "You don't know how long I waited for you to tell that."

"It's the God's honest truth, Kara," I softly replied, "But I would like to take things slow between us so that we don't make any mistakes, okay?"

"Of, course," she happily sniffled, "I'll take you anyway I can get you, Michael. I've only dreamed about you since I was a little girl."

"Is that right?" I smiled, "Kara, I don't deserve someone like you."

"And why not?" she asked, "I promise you that I'll never hurt you like Jenny Fucking Meyers, that bitch. Do you know that she used to screw around on you with other guys behind your back? God, I hated her for hurting you like that, but the really messed up part about it was that you never knew; and I felt that if I told you, then you would think I was just some dumb little fat girl who was jealous."

"Aw, Kara, sweetie," I said, my heart hurting at the very idea of what she's just told me, "I would've never thought that about you. Hell, we've known each other all our lives...our parents have been friends since way before the both of us were ever born so, it's not like I wouldn't have believed you ya know."

"I know that now," she sadly smiled, "But I've loved you ever since I knew what love was about."

"Why didn't you ever tell me, Kara?"

"Tell me, Michael," she pointed asked, "What would you have done if I had, huh?"

"I don't know," I honestly replied, "But whatever I would've done, I sure as hell wouldn't have hurt you, or let you get, or be hurt; and that's the truth."

"I believe you, sweetie," she tenderly replied, gently placing her soft palm to my cheek, "One thing I do know is that you were always so sweet to me...you really were."

"I could never hurt you," I softly told her, "I hope you know that?"

"I do know that," she smiled, "And that's why I was so upset when you left to join the service...even though I knew you had no choice, it still hurt."

"I'm sorry," I quietly replied, "Maybe I can make it up to you somehow...if you let me, I'll really try."

"Oh, I know that, Michael," she impishly giggled, "I'll think of something, believe me."

"I do believe you, and that kinda scares me," I laughed, looking at my watch, "But it's starting to get late, and I've still got a long drive ahead of me."

"Nothing scares you," she teased, "But you're right, we both have a long drive ahead of us. I'm going back home this week to get my stuff together so that I can find an apartment closer to work. That long commute almost did me in last year."

"I believe you," I smiled, "Maybe I can find something close to you and we can drive to work together. How would that be?"

"Oh, Michael," she softly grinned, "That would be wonderful..."

~~~~~~

Chapter Four

After I'd paid our bill, much to Kara's objection I might add, we walked out of the restaurant to her car. Once she'd unlocked it, and we were in, she started her car and was letting it warm up before we took off.

"Thank you for dinner tonight, Michael," she sweetly smiled, taking my left hand and holding it against her soft cheek, "I've really enjoyed being with you, and I'm really looking forward to spending more time with you, too."

"Me too," I softly replied, "I can' wait until we get to be together again either. I know that our parents are going to be tickled to death when they find out about us."

"Are you kidding me?" she seriously replied, "My Dad is gonna be so pissed off at you for this."

"Wait a minute," I said, a slight feeling of apprehension in my voice, "I didn't think that he..."

"Gotcha," she interrupted me, giggling like a schoolgirl, "God, you're so easy, Michael," and then she continued giggling, which I found to be absolutely delightful.

"Yeah, yeah," I playfully complained, "Just wait, girlie, I'm gonna get you back when you least expect it so; I'd watch out if I were you."

"Ooo," she teased, "I'm so afraid," and I think it was right then that I began to fall, head over heels for Kara, never to return from the depths of her beautiful soul...

~~~~~~

The drive back to my car was filled with me asking her questions about what all she had done since we'd last seen one another. I was thrilled to discover that she'd attended the University of Houston on an academic scholarship. However, when I asked about whether she'd dated any guys in college, it was almost as if I'd stumbled into some kind of wall, or something, because she clearly didn't want to talk about it, and I didn't want to push her.

Still though, when we talked about being able to see one another not only at work, but off campus as well, I could tell that she was very pleased; and why not? She'd told me in no uncertain terms how she'd always felt about me since she was a little girl, and I not only respected her for her honesty, but I also saluted her for having the strength that I knew it took to be able to share her true feelings with me, while also earning my deepest, utmost respect in the process. I don't care who you are; that takes guts to be able to do that, it really does. 

She asked me questions about what it was like being in "The Teams"; and while I only spoke strictly about the training I had to go through in order to earn my place there, that was all I wanted to say at the time, and she later told me that she understood, and could literally feel the darkness in me that I'd been dealing with for so long.

~~~~~~

When we got back to my car, Kara put hers in park, and got out to talk with me for a few moments longer before we went our separate ways.

"I wanted to thank you, Michael," she softly smiled, as we held hands, "You've always been so sweet to me."

"Any time, gorgeous," I smiled, kissing the back of her hand, as I held it in mine, "If there's anything I can ever do for you; don't hesitate to ask me, okay?"

"There is one thing you can do," she almost urgently said, "It's something I've wanted to do since we were teenagers."

"Tell me, Kara," I gently replied, "What is it, sweetie?"

"This," she tenderly spoke, and then after pulling me into her arms and pressing her whole body against mine, she began to very softly, as well as very tenderly press her lips against mine.

The kiss began slowly, and before either of us knew what was happening, our mouths simultaneously opened, as she sweetly sent her tongue into my mouth in search of my own. In an instant our tongues were gently intertwining around each other, performing a dance that was older than time itself.

As the kiss deepened, I pulled her very firmly against me, while I could feel her intimately pressing her full, soft, yet firm, round breasts against my chest. I held onto her for as long as I could before I felt the tightness coming to life in my groin, and before it became so obvious that she could feel it, I regrettably, but smoothly pulled away, bringing a slow, gentle end to the kiss, leaving both of us very worked up and breathing heavily.

"If I live to be a hundred," she softly panted, "I'll never regret kissing you just now, Michael. I've wanted to do that for so very long," and then I saw a lone tear slowly making its way down her beautiful cheek.

"Don't cry, Kara," I softly whispered, reaching up and gently wiping the tear off of her face with the back of my hand, "That was the most beautiful thing I've ever experienced in my life."

"Do you really mean that?" she asked, her voice beginning to wane.

"Yes," I smiled, "I mean it with all my heart..."

~~~~~~

I didn't tell Kara this until much later, but as I drove home that night, I had to pull over to keep from wrecking as I cried my eyes out. I cried because of the terrible things I'd seen while I was in the Navy, I cried because of the friends I'd had and seen their lives needlessly wasted, but most of all, I cried because I'd been hopelessly lost in the dark for so long; and because now that God had placed Kara in my life, I was beginning to see a light shining through that same darkness, showing me the way home.

~~~~~~

The first thing I did after I got shaved and showered that next morning was to call Ken.

"Hello, Mike," he smiled, "To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?"

"Nothing really important," I happily grinned, "I just wanted to say thank you for giving me a job, and also that I can't wait to get started."

"That's good to hear," he knowingly chuckled, "The President of the university, Doctor Dresden, was really excited and pleased to hear that you're going to be teaching at the U of H. He also wanted me to tell you that he has an open door policy when it comes to the faculty, Mike. I know you're really going to like him, and he can't wait to meet you."

"Thanks, Ken," I smiled, "I'll make it a point to drop by and see him some time this week."

"That's great," he said, "My wife wanted me to send her esteemed congratulations as well."

"That's nice," I told him, "Tell Ms. Sara that I said thank you, and that I love her very much."

"I will," he grinned, "So, what are your plans for today, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Well, I thought I'd start buy going out and buying myself a new car," I said, "After that I need to go to the University to pick up all of the necessary forms that I need to fill out, then get my parking pass and my faculty I.D."

And before Ken could reply, Kara had taken the phone away from him and cheerily told me, "Good morning, handsome! How did you sleep last night?"

"Good morning to you, too," I grinned, "I slept very well, and you?"

"Mmm," she contentedly sighed, "Wonderfully, especially after the night I had. So; what're your plans for the day?"

"Other than hoping I get to see you," I smiled, "I was going to go look for a new car today; and then I was going back up to Houston to get all of my paperwork completed before school starts next week. Would you care to join me; if you don't have any other plans?"

"Oh, Michael," she smiled, "I would love to go with you. Besides, I think you're probably going to need my help finding your way around...well...at first anyway."

"Sounds good to me," I excitedly replied, "Can you be ready in an hour?"

"Of course," she delightfully giggled, "I'll see you then, handsome...bye, sweetie," and then she hung up.

"What's going on between you and Kara Matlock, Mikey?" Brittany knowingly asked smiling, apparently having just eavesdropped on the telephone conversation I'd just had.

"What if I told you it was none of your business, little sister?" I grinned, leaning down and kissing her on her pretty little forehead, and then turning toward the bathroom, merrily humming to myself as I made my way back down the hall.

"Thank you, God," Brittany tearfully whispered, unheard by me, as she looked skyward smiling, "Thank you so much..."

~~~~~~

"Hi handsome," Kara smiled, leaning over and kissing me on the cheek, the moment she hopped into Mom's car, which I'd borrowed again that day, "Thank you for letting me tag along with you today."

"You're welcome," I happily grinned, "I'm glad you're here..."

~~~~~~

I went to the Chevrolet Dealership in my home town that day, and because I'd always liked that type of car, which was the only reason that I'd gotten into one with Lance Howard to begin with; I bought a brand new Corvette Stingray. It was a Metallic Midnight Blue, Kara's favorite color...and mine, too; convertible that was fully loaded, complete with the factory 427 engine.

"Oh, my God, Michael," she purred when I took her for a ride around the block, "I absolutely love this car."

"Good," I smiled, handing her the keys when we got back to the dealership, "You can follow me in it back to my house to give Mom's car back to her before we go to the U of H campus."

"Oh, no," she said, "I can't do that, I'm afraid something might happen and then I'd feel terrible."

"Nothing's going to happen," I grinned, and then quickly kissed her lips right before I got out of my new car, to get back in my Mom's car, "I'll see you back at my house in a few minutes..."

~~~~~~

"Holy shit, Mikey," Brittany smiled, when she saw Kara pulling into the driveway in my new car, "When are you gonna let me drive it?"

"Hmm, let me think," I teased, "How about never?"

"You're such a shit sometimes," she said, lightly smacking my on the arm, "Come on, Michael...please?"

"Alright, just this once," I said, handing her my credit card, "Go down to the gas station on the other side of town and fill it up with gas, and then bring it right back...and if you get a speeding ticket while you're driving it; it's your little ass that has to pay for it, not mine."

"You've got that shit right," she giggled, getting into my car, "Your ass hasn't been little since you were a baby, Mikey," and then she backed out of the driveway, honking the horn as she drove off."

"I think you've got a nice ass," Kara softly whispered in my ear, lightly grabbing it in the process, "I've always thought so."

"So do you," I quietly replied, as she allowed me to gently palm her beautiful little ass, too, "And I'll never get tired of looking at it, or touching it either."

"Mmm," she purred, gently backing into my hand as I touched her butt, "I sure hope not..."

~~~~~~

"Holy shit," Brittany said, with a wild look in her eyes as she pulled back into the driveway in my car, "This thing hauls ass, doesn't it?"

"Yes, it does," I grinned, "Now get your little butt out of my car. Kara and I are going into Houston and we probably won't be back until late tonight."

"I'm so glad to see you two together, Kara," Brit smiled, with happy tears in her eyes as she and Kara hugged, "I told you that if he ever came home and saw you again then everything would be alright, didn't I?"

"Yes," Kara sniffled, returning my sister's hug, "Thank you for all your help Brittany."

"I didn't really do anything, sweetie," Brittany sweetly replied, "But you're welcome just the same."

"Yes you did," Kara continued sniffling, "You stayed on my ass to stick with it when I really needed it, and I'll always be grateful to you, Brit."

"I love you, my hopefully soon to be sister," Brittany whispered into Kara's ear, unheard by me, before they broke the hug.

"I love you, too, Brit," Kara quietly replied, "And I always will..."

~~~~~~

"What did you mean when you thanked Brit earlier?" I asked Kara, as we drove up Highway 36 into Houston, "Is something going on between you two that I don't know about?"

"It's nothing bad, Michael I swear," she softly replied, "I'll tell you about it later...just not right now, okay?"

"It doesn't matter," I told her, "Especially if whatever it is brought us together, my beauty."

"You really mean that, don't you," Kara asked, "Especially when you called me your beauty?"

"Of course, I meant it," I smiled, holding her hand with my right hand, as I drove with the left, "I'll never lie to you, Kara...not ever."

"I love you, Michael Walker," she softly replied, raising my hand to her lips and softly kissing the back of it, "And I know that you love me, too; you just don't know it...yet," as she quietly giggled to herself because of what she'd just said."

"Hmm," I knowingly chuckled, "You think so?"

"No," she pointedly replied, "I know so, and one day soon you're going to open your eyes and realize that I'm right."

"You're probably right, sweetie," I told her, "And I want you to know that I'm not going to fight it if it happens...I promise."

"What do you mean "if?" she sweetly asked me, "You should forget about "if' and start getting used to "when" , okay handsome?"

~~~~~~

When we finally reached the U of H campus, Kara took my hand as we walked across campus, making it very obvious to anyone who might see us; that I clearly belonged to her, and only her.




A Promise Kept Ch. 01



"My, my," I teased her; "We're a little possessive today, aren't we?"

"Not even a little bit," she carelessly laughed, "I just don't trust these bitches up here, that's all."

"Okay, my sweet," I smiled, "If you say so..."

~~~~~~

"Hello, Ms. Martha Hendricks," Kara kindly told the head of the administration department, when we appeared in her office, "This is our newest employee; Professor Michael Walker and I wanted to..."

"I already know who he is, Miss Kara," Martha gently teased her, "Your father called in ahead of you two and I've got his employee packet right here, ready for him to sign all the necessary documents in it. All you need to do now is to take him over to campus security and pick up his I.D. card. And just so you know, they're all ready and waiting for him."

"Thanks Martha," Kara girlishly grinned, "I really appreciate it."

"Oh, one more thing, Professor Walker," Martha said, right before we left her office, making us turn around to look at her, "My daughter, Jillian, is on your Karate team. She's a tough girl, but don't put up with her shit for one second. Besides" and then she impishly laughed, "That's just my ex-husband's, her father's personality coming out of her, and everyone around here knows that I tamed his ass. Seriously, she's a good kid, Mike."

"I haven't met her yet," I graciously smiled, "But knowing that she's your daughter really gives me something nice to look forward to then.

"Oh, Kara, girl, "Martha widely smiled, "He's such a nice man, too; Hmm, you'd better hang on to him, honey, and don't ever let him go."

"I'll die first," Kara grinned, "Bye, sweetie," and then we left Martha's office to the sound of her quietly chuckling behind us as we left...

~~~~~~

I don't know how I knew, but I smelled trouble the moment we walked into the campus security office, and I was correct. As soon as Kara and I appeared at the front desk, this overweight, and snot nosed, red headed asshole began to verbally accost her.

"Hey, Kara, baby," he snidely remarked, "What's going on, sexy? Long time no see."

"Hello, Darren," she nervously replied, clinging tightly to me, "We're here to pick up Professor Michael Walker's Faculty Identification card."

"Don't worry about it, baby," he driveled, making unwanted advances toward her as he tried, unsuccessfully, to hold her hand, "Professor Poindexter can wait. When are you and I going out on that date that I've been inviting you on forever?"

"I've already told you, Darren," she replied, attempting, with no avail, to ward him off; "I don't feel that way about you."

"That's okay," he stupidly grinned, showing off his yellow, crooked teeth, "One date with me and you'll change your tune, sexy Mamma."

That was the last straw as far as I was concerned, and as I stood up, I looked at him, and sarcastically asked him, "Are you deaf, or are you just plain stupid? The lady already tried to politely decline, but you're too much of a dumb ass to understand the word "No" so; I'm going to tell you now to leave her alone from here on out, okay?"

"Oh really," he snarled, "And just who the fuck are you, asshole?"

"I'll tell you exactly who I am," I growled, "I'm her boyfriend, and if you don't leave her alone, I'm going to show you something you've never seen before, and that would be the other end of your more than likely non existent dick, do you understand me, you dumbass."

And like the stupid redneck idiot I originally perceived him to be, he pulled his nightstick and cowardly replied, "How about if I kick your ass instead, bookworm? That way, you'll be laid up in the hospital while I'm out dating your so called girl friend, and showing her what it's like to be with a real man."

"I'm asking you as nicely as I can to drop that nightstick," I calmly warned him, "Otherwise you're going to be wearing it permanently after I shove it up your ass, fat boy."

"And I'm telling you that I studied tactical crowd control for two whole semesters," he laughed, "And because you just threatened me, it's time to pay for your sins, Professor, or not."

The moment he came around from behind his desk with his stick raised in an aggressive posture, it took me mere seconds to take him down with a fast, hard, sweeping kick, caving his right knee in on itself, which ended up with him falling back into the floor of the office, landing on his ass, holding onto his right knee with both hands, screaming like a little girl.

Of course I easily disarmed him, and as I held his own nightstick to his throat, I smiled and said, "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Professor Michael Walker, and while I teach three different levels of history here at the U of H, I'm also the coach of the new Karate team, not to mention that I'm also a former United States Navy SEAL...Now, if you ever so much as come near Professor Matlock again, you're going to end up a whole lot worse off than you currently are. Are we clear on this issue?"

"What in blazes is going on in here?" the apparent Chief Campus Security Officer asked, walking through the front door, having apparently just come back from his lunch break.

Kara and I both apprized him of everything that had taken place, because his subordinate was clearly in no shape to comment; and once we were finished, he simply laughed and told us, "I tried to warn that dumbass that this was bound to happen one of these days. I'm only sorry that I wasn't here to see it. If you'll step over here in front of this camera, Professor, I'll take your picture for you and have your I.D. ready for you in a few minutes.

~~~~~~

"Thank you, officer," I graciously replied, as he handed me my faculty ID, "I'm really sorry about all of this."

"My name is Frank Hobbs, Professor Walker," he graciously replied, "And don't you worry about a thing. As soon as this asshole is released from the hospital and has recovered well enough to walk on his own, he's fired. Besides; he's sitting in the floor, holding his knee because of his own stupidity, and he got exactly what he deserved. Have a good day, you two..."

~~~~~

"You really didn't have to do that, Michael," Kara impishly smiled, "Believe it, or not, I could've handled him."

"Come on, sweetie," I replied, "He was a lot bigger than you, and I wasn't about to let him get anywhere near you."

"I can appreciate that, baby," she grinned, "But you need to understand that I'm not as fragile as you might think."

"Maybe not," I smiled, "But if you're gonna be my girl, then that means that you also come under my protection. Besides, I'm a professional, sweetheart, and fighting for people who couldn't fight for themselves was what I did in the Navy."

"A professional, huh?" she knowingly giggled, "I suppose we'll just have to see about that one of these days then."

"Really," I chuckled. "And what is that supposed to mean, my beauty?"

"Oh, nothing in particular," she again knowingly smiled, "I was just speaking off the top of my head...don't pay any attention to me, baby."

"Oh, and it's baby now, instead of Michael?" I teased, "What's that all about?"

"You belong to me now," she insisted, with a slight fire in those beautiful brown eyes of hers, "And I'll fight anyone that tries to take you away from me. Why? Do you have a problem with that, Mister Michael Walker?"

"Not at all, sweetheart," I grinned, "Oh, and I prefer Professor Walker, and not Mister."

"Oh, shut up," she laughed, smacking me on the ass, "Has anyone ever told you what a smart ass you are?"

"Of course," I teased, "Brittany does it all the time..."

~~~~~~

Chapter Five

We ended up in my office, and for the first time in a very long time, I felt a strong sense of accomplishment overcoming me; so much that I had a smile on my face that even Kara took notice of.

"Feels good, doesn't it?" she grinned, leaning over and quickly kissing my lips, "Having your own office, I mean."

"It really does;" I contentedly smiled, "Never, in a million years, did I think that I would ever find myself in this position; and now that I'm here, I want to make damn sure that my students know the truth about the past, and not some contrived, press-released shit."

"You know what I think, Michael?" she softly asked, sitting her pretty little ass on desk, "I think that your students are going to love you. I don't know how I know this, but they're not only going to love you as a person, they're going to love having you as a teacher."

"I hope so," I smiled, "Because I don't want to let them down...and especially not you, Kara, not ever."

"Oh, Michael," she softly purred, climbing into my lap after I'd sat down in my chair, "I love you with all my heart, and you could never let me down, baby..."

~~~~~~

After I'd filled out al of the necessary paperwork, with Kara's help of course; there was still enough time to get it back to Martha in the administration office so that she'd have ample time to file it in the proper place before the day's end.

~~~~~~

"Thank you, Professor Walker," she kindly smiled, as I handed her the documents she'd given me earlier that day, "I really appreciate you're getting this done so quickly. I usually have to wait until mid-semester before I get it all back."

"You're very welcome, Miss Martha," I respectfully replied, "And I want to you feel free to call me Mike, just all of my friends do."

"Why thank you, sweetie," she grinned, "But I prefer to call you Michael, if that's alright with you. It has such a noble ring to it..."

~~~~~~

A WEEK LATER

The time seemed like it had flown by, and I guess it was because I'd spent every spare moment I'd had with Kara, accepting her offer of helping me get my syllabuses and lesson plans together. I really appreciated her giving me a hand with all of that, otherwise I would've been totally unprepared.

However, because she'd been teaching for much longer than I had, she seemed to be able to whiz right through it almost as if it was second nature to her. She's still the smartest, most incredible, and most beautiful soul I've ever know. But I'm getting a little ahead of myself...sorry about that.

At any rate, the time had come for classes to convene, and I'd still not met the female professor that I was going to be sharing the office with in the athletic building. However, that would take place that afternoon, as the karate team would be meeting four days a week; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Still though, I only had two classes to teach that day, World History 101, and American History 101. One would be taught at nine o'clock that morning, and the other at two o'clock that afternoon. My World History 101 and American History 101 classes was for all of the incoming freshmen, and/or first year students. My other class, Contemporary American History, was a senior, and/or a fourth year course which would be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and then for only a select few students...History Majors.

~~~~~~

That first morning, Monday, I walked out of my office and into the lecture hall. Granted, I was only twenty seven at the time, but with the exception of one person, an adult student who was maybe a year or two older than me; I felt old and out of place amidst the fairness of youth which now surrounded me.

"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen," I addressed my students, "Welcome to World History. My name is Professor Mike Walker, and you and I will be taking a stroll through the past together this coming semester. "

After I called the roll and was pleased to find that all fifty-one of my students were present, I asked a young lady who was sitting in the front row, named Leslie Stewart, to pass out the stack of syllabuses that Kara had helped me put together during the previous week.

"Study your syllabuses, ladies and gentlemen, there will be a pop quiz on Wednesday, covering the material listed on the first page," I told them, "In the mean time, we're going to spend a little time getting to know one another this morning."

"What is it?" I asked, a kid who'd raised his hand, "Be sure to tell me your name though."

"My name is Mark Powers, sir," he replied, "And I'd like to ask you a question."

"Okay, Mister Powers," I smiled, "What can I do for?"

"I heard that you were a Navy SEAL, Professor Walker," he replied, "Is that true?"

"That's correct," I replied, amidst whispers that now echoed throughout the lecture hall, "I was a member of SEAL Team Three, Underwater Demolition Team Twenty-Six."

"Yes," I asked, as a young lady raised her hand this time, "What's your name?"

"My name is Amanda Keegan," she politely replied, "And I wanted to know if you've ever seen any combat?"

"Yes, I have," I stated, "Unfortunately that goes with the territory."

I don't know who it was, but I heard someone, a male, flippantly ask, "Have you ever killed anybody, bad ass?"

"If whoever it was that asked that had the balls to stand up and show their self, instead of hiding like a coward, I might answer that question," I firmly said, "Regardless of how stupid a question it was," which was followed by the class's laughter and ridicule of the idiot who'd asked that question.

Suddenly, a rather large young man stood up, and then made his way onto the stage. Coming to a distance of about five feet from me, he stood there with his hands on his hips and loudly bellowed, "I've got the balls to face you any time, old man, what're you gonna do about it?"

"I'm only twenty seven, boy," I quickly snarled, letting him know who was in charge, "And it's been my experience that idiots like you who start confrontations, usually don't have the chops to see it through, or they piss their pants in fear when the first shot is fired; but in answer to your stupid question, yes, I've killed people...several of them, and it's nothing to be proud of, I assure you. You can go sit down and shut up, or get the hell outta my class, NOW! The choice is yours; punk."

Needless to say, when I yelled, he jumped, and then walked to his seat to pick up his belongings. After he'd he made his way to the door, he looked back over his shoulder and said, "This ain't over yet, asshole," and then quickly left, letting the door slam behind him on the way out.

"If any of you know that guy," I calmly told the rest of the class, "Tell him that I said he's more than welcome to meet me in the gym this afternoon at four o'clock, okay?"

"I know who he is, Professor Walker. His name is Tommy Peters and he's a jerk," one girl quickly replied, "And I know that you're also the new Coach of the Karate team. I'll be sure to pass your invitation along to his dumb ass," then as she sat back down smiling, she smiled and softly said, "I can't wait to see you kick his stupid jock ass, Coach, err, I mean, Professor Walker."

"What is your name, young lady," I asked, "And how did you know that I'm one of the coaches of the Karate team?"

"My name is Talia Genaro," she politely replied, "And I knew because I'm a member of the Karate team, sir."

"I'm happy to meet you," I graciously smiled, "Stick around after class, Miss Genaro, I need some information from you," and then I looked back at the rest of the class smiling and told them, "I'll see you all on Wednesday...class is dismissed."

~~~~~~

"What would you like to know, Coach?" Talia Genaro smiled, once the lecture hall had cleared, and she was standing next to me at my podium.

"I need to know about my new assistant Coach," I told her, "What is her name, because I haven't had the opportunity to meet her yet?"

"She told us not to tell you, Coach Walker," Talia knowingly chuckled, "She said that she wanted it to be a surprise."

"Come on, Talia," I laughed, "You can tell me, I won't tell anyone."

"Oh, no you don't," she giggled, being the silly teenager she still was, "I gave her my word that I wouldn't tell you. Why don't you put the shoe on the other foot, Coach? You wouldn't want me to break my word to you, now, would you?"

"No, I guess not," I chuckled, shaking my head in surrender, "Go on ahead and get outta here, young lady; I'll see you this afternoon."

"Bye Coach," she girlishly laughed, "I'll see you at four," and the she left, still laughing as she made her way down the hall...

~~~~~~

My next class, American History 201, went rather well. Of course it was for second year (sophomore) students; and as before, I took the time to get acquainted with my students just as I'd done with my morning class after handing out their syllabuses. It was a lot easier, too, as there were only twenty-eight students in this particular class. Of course I used the same question and answer approach as before. However, I was very relieved when there were no ridiculous questions asked about taking human life.

I was, however, asked about my military career, because it seems that word travels fast on a college campus. But still, I was treated with great respect by this group of students, making me look forward to when this class would convene again on Wednesday. I also discovered that there were four students among that class, all of them female, who also were members of the Karate Team who I also asked to stay after class. I thought that maybe they would tell me the name of my assistant coach. 

Their names were Jenny Harris, Emma McNealy, Pamela Delgato, and Laura Bonham. I must say, like Talia Genaro, they, too, were just as pretty as could be, but when I asked them for the new coach's name, I was met with the same silence which Talia had shown, as well as being told the same thing she'd told me. And what I didn't take notice of at the time, were the knowing smiles they shared between themselves.

Still though, I simply dismissed them, telling them that I would be seeing them shortly, but, I began to wonder if there were any male students on the team at all. I hadn't met any of them as of yet and perhaps it was just a coincidence that I hadn't. Little did I know what was about to befall me when I got to my office in the athletics building.

~~~~~~

The moment my afternoon class let out, I made my way to my other office, which was in the athletic building/gym where I would be meeting with the Karate team for the first time. Not only was I excited about meeting them, I was also anticipating meeting my new assistant coach. Speaking of which, I still didn't understand what was going on, not did I understand why Talia, Jenny, Emma, Pam, Taylor, and Laura were all being so secretive who this person was... 

~~~~~~

After going into the men's locker room, and changing into my ghee, I made my way into the gym to meet the new team I would be coaching. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that they were not only all Black Belts, but they were also all female. Granted, there were only twelve of them, but I still thought that there would be both girls, and boys.

"I thought this team was going to be Coeducational," I said to them, "Where are the boys?"

"Daddy told you wrong, Michael," said an all too familiar female voice behind me, "They are a coed team, meaning they're all female."

I turned around and was very pleasantly surprised to Kara standing behind me, dressed just like I was, wearing a white ghee top, black ghee pants, and wore a black belt around her lovely waist.

"I'll be damned," I grinned, "So, you're my assistant coach, and that's the reason nobody would tell me who you were, huh?"

"Thanks ladies," Kara smiled to the class, "Did I tell you guys that he's also my boyfriend, too?"

"We don't blame you, Coach Matlock," Jenny Harris giggled, "We think he's hot, too," and then the whole team erupted in to fits of not only girlish laughter, but cheers and whistles of approval."

"Not bad, lady," I laughed, kissing Kara's hand, "Not bad at all so; when did you earn your black belt, Kara...err I mean, Coach Matlock."





A Promise Kept Ch. 02



I hope everyone liked the first chapter, because I just submitted it and now I'm starting on this one. In the mean time, I wish you all peace, and God's blessings...

MoogPlayer

P.S. It's good to be back...for a while anyway. 

~~~~~~

Chapter One

I traveled all around Houston by simply hopping onto the 610 loop and just driving. I know that what had been growing within Jenny's womb hadn't really been developed enough for it to be called a baby yet, but there was a tiny life there none the less, and Jenny destroyed it...she destroyed it without even consulting me about it first. And somewhere inside of me I felt like I was losing my friends all over again. I can't begin to describe how I felt that day not so long ago, when I saw all five of them blown into smithereens. I could literally feel the wrenching of my heart beginning to break all over again.

~~~~~~

I'd been driving for quite sometime now, and as I took a look ahead of me, I saw the exit for Interstate 45 coming up so; I took it. I stayed on 45-North until I came to the cutoff that leads to Lake Conroe, and remembering the stillness of mind that I used to find in that place when I was just a boy; I decided that that was where I was going...

~~~~~~

"I don't know where he is, Daddy," Kara worriedly told her father, over the phone, "He just took off."

"Stay there for the time being," her father knowingly replied, "He might try to call home."

"Oh, Daddy," Kara sniffled, "I'm so worried about him. That bitch Jenny Meyers has fucked with his head for the last time, and when this is all over with, I'm going to kick her ass."

"Calm down, baby girl," her father smiled, "You and I both know that you're not going to touch Jenny Meyers, because I raised you to be above anything petty."

"Oh, I know," Kara impatiently replied, "But Michael is out there all alone, and he's hurting inside like you wouldn't believe, and the thing I hate the most about all of this is that I can't be there to protect him, please try to find him, Daddy, please?"

"Listen to yourself, Kara," Ken pointed told her, "You and I both know well that Mike doesn't need anyone to protect him, now, come on girl...what you need is to calm down give him some space, but most of all be patient with him, okay. He'll only come back when he's ready and not a moment sooner. And when he does get back, you need to act like everything is normal as opposed to being scared shitless about not knowing where he was...that's very important."

"Daddy, I've got a question for you," Kara began, "He's acting a lot like the way I remember you acting when you first got home from Vietnam. Is he going to be okay?"

"That's the reason I'm trying to tell you how best to act around him," Ken told her, "And yes, he'll be okay eventually, but right now, he needs to be loved, pure and simple...and part of loving him means not being scared when he does things like what he's doing right now, okay?"

"I'll take your advice, Daddy," she fearfully replied, "If only he'd talk to me and tell me what he's feeling; I think I could handle things a little better..."

~~~~~~

"I'd stopped and bought myself something to eat, as the afternoon was now turning into evening. I knew that Kara would be worried to death, but for reasons that I couldn't explain, I knew that somehow she was going to be alright.

Speaking of Kara, I still couldn't believe that she'd turned into the beautiful woman that she had. I mean, I remember when we were all kids, Kara, while she'd always had a pretty face, was a little butterball when we were young. I didn't know whether it was baby fat, or what? All I knew was that she had a schoolgirl crush on me, to the point that I once saw my name written on her notebook in big bold letters.

I wasn't about to hurt her little feeling by saying something rude to her, that's not how I am. I did, however, find it a little disconcerting that she'd do something like that. But then again, I, too, was just a kid and didn't know any better. And then I found out from my sister that the beautiful transformation Kara had gone through while I was in the Navy, had all been done because of the love she'd carried for me ever since we were children. It was all so overwhelming, I don't care who you are.

I ate the barbeque sandwich and potato wedges sitting on a park table, looking out across Lake Conroe as I watched the sunset. I didn't really know how I would be able to face Jenny again, if ever, but one thing was certain, I began to realize that there was something in me that wasn't quite right, but for right now, I knew that there were others who were counting on me so; I temporarily put my immediate needs on the back burner. I was almost finished eating, after which I was going to head back home...I sure as hell wasn't about to spend the night without having my beautiful Kara lying beside me. Her gentle heart was not only the captor, but also the guardian of my soul, and therein, even toady, is from where I drew my strength. However, the way I was feeling at the moment, my strength was getting low, and I was going to need another infusion from her soon...

~~~~~~

"I can tell that you love Michael very much," Jayne told Kara, as they sat on the couch in the den talking, facing one another, "And he loves you, too, Kara; he loves you with all of his heart. It's just that I can see how Michael's a little more subtle about the way he expresses his feelings."

"It's not that he's subtle, Jayne, I swear," Kara impishly grinned, "He's just shy, painfully shy...but if you ever touch his heart, then there's nothing he won't do for you."

"That's sooo romantic," Jayne sighed, "How did you guys meet? I've just got to hear all of the details, please?"

"Okay," Kara smiled, "This may come as a shocker, but I've loved Michael ever since the very first time I saw him when we moved down the street from the Walkers when I was about nine. I saw this really cute boy in his driveway playing catch with another guy. Mom and Daddy told me that there would be other kids around my age in the neighborhood that we were moving to; and that I would have some nice friends to play with. I only saw one kid that I wanted to play with, and after I got moved in, I found out that his name was Michael Walker and he..." 

"What was he like back then," Jayne asked, grinning like the Cheshire cat, "I'm sorry for interrupting you, but I want to see if my predictions about your beautiful Michael are right," the two of them began to girlishly laugh.

"Are you kidding?" Kara sweetly smiled, "He's always been good looking as hell, but when he was younger there was something really special about, Michael. The other kids in the neighborhood all used to pick on me and call me names because I was chubby back then; but not Michael, oh no. He always took up for me and wouldn't let anybody talk bad about me, at least when he was around. Like I said, "I've been in love with Michael since we were very young...he didn't know about it until recently."

"Is that right?" Jayne knowingly grinned, "And why not, didn't you ever tell him when you guys were younger?"

"Oh, I just couldn't tell him that...not back then anyway," Kara replied, shaking her head, "First of all, I was just a little fat girl that lived down the street from him, and last but not least, I would've been way too embarrassed to say something like that to any boy back then, much less Michael."

"He is one of the most handsome guys that I've ever seen," Jayne grinned, "So; tell me, how did you lose all the weight, Kara?"

"Michael began studying Karate, a Korean style, known as Moo-Duk-Kwan, Tang-Soo-Do, right around the time he and I went into second grade," she began, "And although he won't ever tell you this, he's one of the best there is...at least in my humble opinion he is. Anyway, after we graduated high school, and he left for the Navy, I began to take an interest in Martial Arts myself. So, when I started taking lessons, my Sensei taught me how to properly exercise. And through a combination of practicing, and also paying close attention to my parents when it came to eating right; the excess weight seemed to simply just fall off of me. I went from a size eighteen, all the way down to a size six, in a matter of a few months" as she wiped a proud tear from her eye.

"Damn girl, that's amazing that you dropped all that weight, way to go, sweetie, you look absolutely beautiful," Jayne widely smiled, hugging her, "I guess it just goes to show that woman will do everything it takes to get the guy she loves."

"I didn't lose all of the weight," Kara complained, irritably adjusting her bust line, "I still didn't lose these big ass cow tits."

"Speaking of which," Jayne said, turning red in the face, "Now that we're kinda like room mates, can I ask you a personal question, Kara?"

"Come on, girl," Kara laughed, "You know that you can ask me anything you want. What is it, sweetie?"

"Well, I was wondering," Jayne stuttered, looking back and forth between's Kara's face, and her unencumbered breasts beneath the tee-shirt she was wearing, "What sized bra do you wear?"

"I wear a size Thirty-Eight, Double "D"," Kara uncomfortably, yet proudly smiled, "Why, sweetie?"

"I was just curious," Jayne replied, "I always catch guys looking at my boobs whenever I try to talk to them, but I guess it's because they're so small. Dammit, I'd give anything to have nice big boobs like yours."

"Michael told me once that a woman's breast size doesn't matter as long as they're real," Kara told her, still trying to adjust her bust line, "Besides; having big tits isn't everything you think it is."

"Yeah, right," Jayne smiled, "I see the way that your male students drool over you."

"I know," Kara uncomfortably replied, "And sometimes it's annoying as hell, too. But my Mom told me when I was a teenager that I was going to have to deal with it so; I try not to think about it."

"That's all that most guys think about anyway," Jayne openly giggled, "At least the ones that I know do."

"Don't think that college guys are exclusive to staring at a woman's tits," Kara grinned, "All men stare at them and it starts when they're about six or seven. Some just learn to do it a little more subtly than most, but they all stare, every single one of them."

"What about Michael," Jayne asked," Did he stare at them too?"

"I was hoping he did," Kara blushed, "I sure as hell was trying to get him to, that's much is certain..." of course both of them began to laugh like schoolgirls.

"You know, I've never met anyone like him," Jayne said, "Except for my cousin, Danny, and I can't begin to tell you how amazed I am that Michael acts almost exactly the same way Danny used to act...it's so uncanny. I know that they were two different people, but my God, it's almost like Danny is living and breathing in Michael sometimes."

"Maybe there's a reason for that," Kara knowingly smiled, "He's going to talk to your family at the end of this week ya know."

"I know," Jayne excitedly grinned, "And I can barely wait."

"There's something else you need to know, and Michael will tell you so," Kara told her, "He could get into big trouble for talking to your family so; you all need to keep that in mind when he does talk to you guys."

"He told me that already," Jayne quietly replied, "I think he's just the nicest guy I've ever met and I think my family will love him as much as I do," and then she looked at Kara and meekly told her, "I hope you don't mind that I love Michael. I'm not in love with him like you are; I just love him because of all of the nice things he's done for me, and for treating me the way he does...you know, kind of like my brother would treat me? If I had one, that is."

"You sweet and precious girl," Kara sniffled, tears of love filling her eyes, as she pulled Jayne into her arms, "I know exactly what you mean, sweetheart; and I think there's plenty of room in Michael's beautiful heart for both of us. I know that there's room in my heart for you, sweet girl."

"Thank you, Kara," was Jayne's muffled reply, as she softly, but happily cried, "I love you, too..."

~~~~~~

I been driving around for several hours, and once I'd finally gotten what Jenny had done out of my system, well, at least enough that I could deal with it; I decided to go where my true love was...back to Kara. 

Like I'd said before, she's my heart, and a man can't live without his heart. The exit off of the 610 loop that I needed to take to get home was coming up in just a few more miles so; I got over far enough to get off of the expressway safely...

~~~~~~

When I pulled into the driveway, the house was dark, which meant that Kara and Jayne were both asleep. Imagine my pleasant surprise to find Kara lying on the couch watching the television.

"Hi, baby," she softly greeted me, gently holding me as she tenderly kissed my lips, "Are you alright, my love?" and then she gently kissed me again."

"I'm okay," I quietly replied, "Is Jayne asleep?"

"She went to bed a little over an hour ago," Kara told me, "Bless her little heart, she was really worried about you, Michael. You need to remember that tomorrow morning when you see her at breakfast. That little girl thinks the world of you ya know."

"She is a little sweetie," I smiled, "Isn't she?"

"Are you kidding me?" Kara honestly replied, "She one of the kindest little souls I've ever met, and I love her very much."

"That makes two of us," I knowingly smiled, tenderly and gently hugging my beautiful Kara, "It's hard not to love that one."

"Jayne loves the both of us, too," Kara told me, "And I told her that we both had plenty of room in out hearts for her."

"You did the right thing, baby," I gently replied, "Because it's true...I will say this though; I'm really not looking forward to talking to her family about Danny this coming Friday."

"Why is that?" she asked, "Because you could get into trouble for divulging all of that classified information you're going to give them?"

"Shit, that's the least of my worries, because there's a wide enough gap in what I'm going to tell his family leaving all kind of room for what our government calls, plausible deniability," I scoffed, "So, that's the least of my worries."

"Then tell me, baby," Kara worriedly asked, later telling me that she'd just then felt a sudden, dark change overcoming me, "What's really got you so worried...please tell me, baby? I love you, Michael; and I swear on my life that I'm not going to let anything happen to you, baby. Please, tell me what's bothering you?"

"You might not think it's much," I begrudgingly groaned, "It's just that, well...it's really going to hurt to go back to bleak time in my life when two big parts of me died. It was one of the most, if not the most traumatic experience of my life."

"I love you, Michael," Kara sweetly told me, "And I'm going to be there not only with you, but for you; because I absolutely refuse to let you go through it alone, my love."

"What did I do to deserve you, Kara?" I widely smiled, "I don't know what it was, but it must've been something very special."

"I don't know, my love," she softly replied smiling, gently pulling me into her arms, "I only know that I've loved you for years, Michael, and I'm so glad that God answered my prayers by bringing us together," as a single tear silently made its way down her beautiful cheek.

"I was a blind fool, when we were young," I regretfully replied, "Not to mention as stupid as it gets."

"You weren't stupid either," Kara cutely laughed, "The only thing that was wrong with you was that you had your nose shoved so far up Jennifer Meyers' ass, if she took a sudden right turn, then your neck would been broken."

"Damn, that was harsh," I laughed, "But you're very right, sweetie...can you find it in your beautiful heart to forgive me, Kara, my love?"

"My darling man," she tenderly grinned, "There's nothing to forgive, baby. It's just part of growing up, I mean...I think that God put us together not only because he was ready to, but I think he waited until we were both ready, too. Do you understand what I'm trying to tell you?"

"Of course I do," I smiled, "Thank you for being who you are, Kara...I love you with all my heart..."

~~~~~~

The next day was Monday, and with it came another of what I though was going to be a hassle at work. The man, who came to talk to me in my office at the gym, while I knew that he was a man of some statute among his peers, spoke with an authoritative tone of voice that reminded me of my superiors in the Navy. Therefore I figured that he was either a law enforcement official of some sort, or, he was just what I thought he was, military and/or retired at least.

His name was Marine Corps Colonel Windale "Dale" Hyndman, and according to him, he was curious if I was interested in helping him with a matter of, what he called, minor National Security. It's been my experience that when matters of National Security are at hand, there's nothing minor about it.

"I'm just a college professor, and a Coach," I chuckled, "And when you say the words National, and/or Security in the same sentence, it indicates to me that you're either N.S.A. or N.S.C. Now which one are you?"

"I'm neither one, Coach," he knowingly replied, "Or should I call you Masterchief?"

"Alright," I pointedly asked, looking him directly in the eyes, "Who are you, and what is this little visit about."

"I'll come right to the point, Coach Walker," he replied, a little less aggressively, "I know that you're about to talk to the late Navy Lieutenant Daniel Reed's family, and I'm curious as to what you think you're going to tell them."

"I have no plans on violating National Security," I firmly told him, "I'm going to tell them that the only thing that I can say is that he acted nobly, saving my life in the process, and he damn well deserves that, Colonel!"

"You're violating National Security just by talking to them," he replied, "I can't let you do this."

"Is that right, sir," I suddenly snapped, quickly jumping to my feet, "And tell me...how do you plan on stopping me?"

"Relax, kid," he suddenly laughed, "I'm not gonna liquidate you," he continued to laugh, "I want you to think about what you're going to say, Mike. Can I call you Mike?"

"I'm not going to tell them anything other than the obvious," I explained, "I want them to know that he died for a reason, and like I just said, he saved my life. Come on, Colonel, surely you haven't forgotten the code of honor that compels you what to do when a man sacrifices his life to save yours, have you?"

"No," he sighed, shaking his head, "You just make sure that you don't tell them anything other than what they need to know; and only what they need to know. Do we understand each other, Masterchief?"

"Perfectly, Colonel," I respectfully replied, "And thank you, sir; I'm going to ask God to bless you for this."

"Thank you, son," he very appreciatively replied, "It's been a long time since I've prayed for anything."

"You might try it, Dale," I grinned, "It's kept me safe so far."

"I need to go, Mike," he replied, heartily grinning as he stood up, "Although we never had this conversation, I want you to remember your promise to me, okay?"

"No, problem, sir," I smiled shaking his hand, "You take care."

"You, too, kid," he quickly replied, and then was he gone.

No sooner had he left the office when Kara walked in, and as always, looking very sexy in her Karate ghee, and turning her head back to look, asked, "Who was that?"

"Just a guy," I noncommittally replied, "Nothing to worry about...are all of the girls ready to spar?"

"We're just waiting for our illustrious leader," she quietly purred, rubbing my chest with her palm, "Care to join us, handsome?"




A Promise Kept Ch. 02



"Hmm," I grinned, "Lead the way, beautiful..."

~~~~~~

"Quit using full contact, bitch," Pamela Delgato, nastily spat, pushing Taylor Johnson backward, after she'd thrown a round house kick, and because Pamela had missed the block, was rewarded with a clearly jarring kick to the head, "This is only practice, dammit."

Taylor was about to retaliate until I stepped in between them and said, "Everyone needs to calm down, ladies. Take a seat on the mat...now."

"But she threw and illegal kick to..." Pamela began;

"ENOUGH," I loudly spoke, cutting her off and getting everyone's attention, "The reason you got kicked in the head was because you missed the block, Miss Delgato, and Miss Johnson, this will be the last time you hear this...use control during practice, okay? Because you both lost control today, I want you both to give me ten laps around the gym floor...hop to it now, ladies," and then with whispered protests, both Pamela and Taylor bowed out and then began to run their laps.

"Who's supposed to be sparring next?" I asked, looking around the class, "The tournament is this coming Saturday, ladies. If I were you, I'd get all of the practice in that I could, because our opponents are waiting to rip you a new ass."

"Right, "Jillian Hendricks cockily replied, "We're gonna beat their asses."

"Oh, really," I laughed, "Are you sure about that, Miss Hendricks?"

"Of course I am," she grinned, "I'm ready for anything they've got."

"Is that right," I sinisterly breathed, now kneeling next to where Jillian was seated, and getting right in her face for the purposes of intimidating her, "Your opponent is going try to try to rip you a new ass, little girl."

"Bring it on," she cooly grinned, not budging an inch when pushed, "I'll show those girls something they've never seen before."

"Uh, huh," I continued pushing, "And what would that be, bad ass?"

"It's simply," Jill emotionlessly replied, "I'll show them what their tits look like off of their chests."

"Ouch," I quietly replied, backing off and proudly observing the predatory look Jillian had on her face when she spoke to me, "I'm sure as hell glad I was born male..."

~~~~~~

Chapter Two

That night during dinner, which Jayne made, and it was delicious, I looked at Kara and told her, "I think that guy who came by my office today was C.I.A."

"Oh really," Kara asked, surprised, "And what makes you say that?"

"I asked him if he was N.S.A., or N.S.C. and he denied both." I replied, "But I didn't ask him if he was C.I.A."

"Is that right," she asked scrutinizing, "And exactly why would you have reason to ask him any of those questions. Michael?"

"Because of what he said," I told her, "He was asking me what I was going to tell Jayne's family about Danny."

"Uh, huh," Kara said, clearly pissed off, "And what did you say?"

"What do you think I said?" I nonchalantly replied, "I told him the truth."

"Dammit, Michael," she angrily said, lightly banging her fist of the table, "You worry me worse than anythoned I know. Baby, please don't do this...you're gonna make the government mad at you."

"Relax, sweetheart," I calmly smiled, "It's not as bad as you think it is."

"Didn't you say that the type of work you guys did was classified..."she began.

"Kara honey, "I smiled, looking at Jayne, "I'm not trying to be ugly when I say this, but you'll hear everything when we get around Jayne's family in a few days...please understand that I only want to go through that part of it one time...okay, my love?"

"I think I see now, sweetie," Kara smiled, a new look of understanding shining across her beautiful face, "I'm sorry, baby...I understand that it's painful for you to talk about..."

~~~~~~

"It's about God damn time you got me outta here," Richard Dresden told Donald Powers, his lawyer, "I thought you said that the judge wouldn't let me post bail."

"He wasn't," Powers replied, "I had to get my father to talk to him in your behalf so; you'd better not fuck up while you're out on bail, which, by the way, cost me a quarter of a million dollars."

"Quit your fucking whining," Dresden spat, "I'll have my wife write you a check first thing in the morning. In the mean time, I've got some things I need to take care of."

"Remember what I told you, Bobby," Powers warned him, "You're out on bond, and it can be revoked at any given time so; try to play it cool, alright?"

"Oh, shut up, Don," Dresden grumbled, "I'm not a total idiot...but, I won't be treated like one either. Is that clear?"

~~~~~~

That night as Kara lay asleep next to me, I'd just come from using the bathroom when I heard movement right outside my bedroom window. Granted, it was dark inside my room, but I could still see through the bedroom window into the moonlit night; and what I saw was someone lurking directly in front of the window trying to see in.

I immediately hit the floor, and reaching beneath my pillow, I retrieved the Walther PPK .380 pistol I kept there. I crawled on my hands and knees until I made it to the back patio glass door, which I slid open, and then was outside in no time, moving through the back yard as silently as a cloud.

Once I rounded the back of the house and on to its side, and then on to the left of the house where my bedroom window was. The moment I crept up behind the figure I saw there, I brought the butt of my weapon down, before he knew what hit him, onto the backside of his skull, knocking him completely unconscious before he hit the ground...

~~~~~~

"Jesus Christ, Ken," I said, surprised at who I caught lurking around the house, "Why didn't you just knock on the door?"

"I wasn't sure if anyone was awake," he groaned, rubbing the plum sized knot on the back of his head, "I didn't want to wake up the whole house if someone was still up."

"Dammit, Daddy, "Kara scolded him, changing the bloody washcloth, where I'd accidentally nicked his scalp, making it bleed, "You could've been seriously hurt, or God forbid, something worse."

"I'm really sorry, you guys," he chuckled, "You can bet your ass that I'll be sure to call from now on."

"Speaking of which," I smiled, "Now that we're all awake, what was it that you wanted to talk to us about?"

"It's about Richard Dresden, Michael," Ken forebodingly replied, "He's out on bond and I'm afraid that he'll make another attempt on your life."

"Let him try," I growled, "The next time he, or any of his minions try to do anything to any of us, I'm not going to screw around this time...I'll kill them outright."

"Michael," Kara quietly asked, "Do you realize what you're saying?"

"Of course, I do," I told her, "Have you forgotten about the last two assholes that Dresden sent to blow up the house?"

"No," she began to cry, "But I don't want to see anyone die, baby," and by this time she was crying, "I'm so afraid, Michael."

"Aw, Kara," I soothed her, pulling her into my arms, "Don't you know that as long as I'm here, there's nothing to be afraid of?"

"I'm not afraid for me, baby," she wept, "I'm afraid for you."

"Me, too, Michael," Jayne sniffled, placing herself beneath my other arm that wasn't holding Kara, "I don't want to see anything happen to you either so; please be careful."

"Okay, you guys win," I smiled, "I promise to call the police...at least before I kill anyone that is," and then I began to laugh, with Ken catching the joke and laughing along with me.

"Dammit, Michael," Kara smiled, playfully slapping my chest, "That isn't funny."

"What an asshole," Jayne also laughed, leaning over to look at Kara, "Does he always act like this, Kara?"

"Not always," Kara giggled, "Only when he's trying to be a brat," and then she smacked me on the butt, "Like right now."

~~~~~~

Kara called her mother and told her that Ken would be spending the night with us, as well as apprising her of his silly antics and how I accidentally cracked his open head for him, thinking that he was a prowler.

"It serves him right," Sara chuckled, "He should've picked up the damn phone and called you like normal people."

"Don't be too hard on him, Mom," Kara giggled, "There's no harm done, other than getting some sense knocked into him maybe..."

~~~~~~

The next day was very enlightening for me, because I had no morning classes to teach, I decided to go see my sister in the hospital. I know that she was getting ready to go in for the final phase of the reconstructive surgery that was being performed on her that following day. I wasn't ashamed of the fact that I loved my little sister very dearly, and as far as I was concerned, for anybody to get to Brittany, they were going to have to get through me first.

"Good morning, baby girl," I smiled, coming in and giving her a hug, "How're you feeling, sweetheart?"

"Bruised, sore and ugly," she groaned, "Oh, and let's not forget about bored, too."

"I'm sorry, kiddo," I grinned, "I promise to make it up to you when you get outta here in a couple of weeks. I'll take you anywhere you wanna go. How does that sound?"

"A couple of weeks," she scoffed, "Shit, Mikey, it's gonna take a couple of months before the swelling goes down, much less the bruises," and then she suddenly began to bitterly weep.

"Hey, now," I consoled her, "I know that you're upset with everything that's happened so; what can I do to make you feel better, tell me, baby sister?"

"Can you take me out of here for a little while?" she quietly asked, laying her head on my shoulder, "There's a park across the street, and I want to go there and get some fresh air, please Mikey...just for a couple of hours, or so?"

"No problem, pretty girl," I quietly soothed her, just like I used to do when she was little; "You leave everything to me, okay sweetie."

"Thanks Bubby," she softly replied, calling me her special name she called me when she was a small child and couldn't yet say the word, brother, "I love you so much..."

~~~~~~

"Here we go," I smiled, pulling Britt's wheelchair, (hospital requirements for letting her leave for a couple of hours) up to a picnic table in the park across the street from the hospital, "Is this better?"

"Fuck this fucking wheelchair," Brittany spat, "I can walk, Michael. I'm not a mother fucking invalid."

"Hey, don't cuss at me," I chuckled, "It's the hospital's rules, not mine, little girl. Besides, since when did you start cussing as bad as you do? You never used to talk like that before."

"I'm sorry, Michael," she began to sniffle, "I'm not sleeping well and I have nightmares every other night."

"I'm sorry, baby," I softly told her, gently pulling her into my arms, "Is it about the rape?"

"Oh that, they used the end of a pool stick on me, and that's where all the damage came from," she began to laugh, "The two of them came before they could stick their little dicks in me, and I swear, Michael, my little finger is bigger that Tommy Powers' tiny dick, because he stuck it in once and then pulled out and came on my tummy...when I began to laugh at him is when they used the pool stick on me," and then she grabbed her abdomen and told me, I have nightmares about God rejecting me for not being able to bear any children," and then she placed her hands over her face and began to cry.

"That's not going to happen...not ever Brit," I reassured her, "What happened to you was not your fault and God's well aware of it, trust me."

"But I must've done something wrong," she quietly wept, placing her hand to cover the now small after the initial surgery, but lightly scarred portion of her face, "I'm not pretty anymore."

"You've got one surgery left," I lovingly assured her," After that, your beautiful face is going to look like nothing ever happened, I swear to you, baby sister."

"If you say so, Michael, then, I believe you," she sniffled, hugging me tightly, "Thank you, Big Brother. This is just one of the many reasons that I'm so glad that you were there for me when I was a little girl...I used to idolize you when I was young, and you're still looking out for me, Mikey...I love you..."

~~~~~~

I drove back to the U of H feeling a little blue because of the fact that my precious little Brittany was about to face something that she could, never in a million years, ever be prepared for. All of our lives I'd always been there to protect her, and ten in one night, everything that I'd fought to maintain went to hell in a hand basket when Tommy Powers and two of his friends, and I was going to take all three of them down with my bare hands if necessary, raped and brutalized my precious baby sister, Brittany.

What was it that she was going to face, you ask? I'll tell you now, that the moment the last of her reconstructive surgeries had totally healed, and once the swelling and bruising had gone, she would face her assailants in court, and although she put up a brave front, I could tell, because she and I were so close growing up, that it was going to take a great emotional toll on her. In the mean time, the only thing I knew to do was what had always worked the best when we were young, and that was to simply put my arms around her and hold her while she cried, poor baby...

~~~~~~

Brittany stayed in my thoughts throughout the whole drive back to work. And with that in mind, I made a phone call to Detective Gavin Phelps the moment I got to my office.

~~~~~~

"Hi, Gavin," I smiled, when he answered his phone, "This is Mike Walker, and I was wondering if you and I could talk sometime today. I've got a few questions."

"Of course, Mike," he cordially greeted me, "When is a good time for you?"

"Within the hour," I replied, "If it's okay for you, that is."

"That's perfect," he grinned, "I was going to head out that way anyway...I'll see you thirty minutes. How does that sound?"

"Sounds good to me," I grinned, "Thanks Gavin, I'll see you soon," and then I hung the phone up and gathered some papers together that were in need of grading.

~~~~~~

"Hello, Mike," Gavin said, as he entered my office shaking hands, "What can I do for you?"

"I want to know about Tommy Powers," I plainly asked, "And also the other two little bastards that were with him when they raped & brutalized my little sister." 

"No complaint was filed against them," Phelps repentantly replied, "Therefore he hasn't been arrested."

"HE WHAT," I suddenly boomed, making Gavin jump a little. "If that's all it takes then I'm filing charges against those three little fuckers right here and now."

"It doesn't work that way," he unfortunately told me, "Your sister has to be the one who files the charges against those guys because she was the victim."

"And you call yourself a public fucking servant?" I angrily replied, "You should've been on top of this when it happened. It's been well over ten days. Going on two weeks and you haven't arrested those assholes? What the hell is wrong with you, Gavin? Damn, man!"

~~~~~~

Because Brittany was still in the hospital, a notary public was brought in to verify the statements that were made by not only Brittany, when she was sworn in by Gavin, but also another Police Detective, a female named Melissa Adkins. She very effectively, yet very sensitively questioned my sister on the night that those three animals attacked her; and when she was finished, she comforted Brittany with a quality that all women possess, a motherly type of comfort, making sure that Britt wasn't in need of anything before the questioning was complete. I was very pleased at the comfort level that Brittany maintained, due to the compassionate way that she was treated by Detective Adkins; and this particular lady became one of a tiny few people in my life who earned my respect upon our first meeting.

After Detective Adkins had completed her questions, she moved aside so that Gavin could ask some questions, I asked her to step into the hall with me, just right outside my sister's hospital room.

"I wanted to talk to you about the way you treated my little sister," I honestly said, "You treated her with complete and utter respect, and you made sure that she was able to maintain her own dignity while answering some emotionally painful questions, and I wanted, not only for the sake of my whole family, but also for me, to personally thank you from the bottom of my heart, Detective Adkins."

"Please," she gently smiled, "Feel free to call me by my first name, Amanda, or just plain old Mandy. As far as your sister in concerned, Mike is it? Brittany is one of the strongest young women I've ever met, especially for her age. I know in my heart of hearts that she going to be alright once she heals up."

"I sure hope so," I sighed, in relief, "I worry about her so much sometimes."

"Aww, I think it's sweet that you worry about your little sister," she smiled, "Besides, Brittany told me a lot about how she idolizes her big brother, and from my point of view, I 'm beginning to understand why she loves you so much."

"We were very close growing up," I replied, warmly smiling at the memories of when Britt was just a little girl, and how she would always follow me around the house. I never minded, because Mom and Dad told me that as her big brother, it was my place to look out for her, and for a kid to be given a responsibility like that, it made me step up and become more responsible, not only for Brittany, but also in my actions as I grew older.

"I can tell that you two love each other very much," Amanda sadly smiled, "My older brother was like that with me...and then right after he dropped out of college to go to work, he got drafted and sent to Vietnam...I was fourteen years old the last time I saw him right before he shipped out, the second time," and as she spoke of this, I saw her eyes begin to water, however; she never once spilled a single tear.

"It's okay to hurt," I softly told her, "and it's okay to cry here, too. No one will bother you, I promise you that." 

"Yeah, I know about how you are where that is concerned, too," she quietly chuckled, "Navy SEAL, huh?"

"Yes," I simply replied, "But that was then and this is now."

"I understand more than you think I do," she knowingly replied, "I remember when Mark, that was his name, came home on leave for Christmas and surprised us. He was home for a week, and I remember him waking up from some the most God-awful nightmares that I've ever seen any one human have. I never said anything to him about it, but I knew it was from him seeing some of the terrible things that went on over Vietnam."

"So, he did two tours over there then," I said, as she nodded her head, "Damn, he sounded like a tough guy to me."

"He was only tough when his hand was forced," she gently smiled, "And Brittany told me that you're just like that. She said that you were always as gentle as a kitten with her when she was growing up."

"She was such a little sweetie," I grinned, "And she still is as far as I'm concerned."

"I can see that, Mike," Amanda grinned, "Relax, big brother, you're doing just exactly what you're supposed to be doing as far as Brittany is concerned."

"Jeez, Amanda," I said, "You almost sound like a Doctor."

"I am a Doctor," she humbly replied, "A Clinical as well as a Forensic Psychiatrist for the Police Department, hence the rank of Detective."

"I'll be damned," I good naturedly teased, "I just got my head shrunk and I didn't even know it."

"Yes, you did," she heartily laughed, "And I'm not even charging you a fee...Masterchief."

"Not anymore," I quietly replied, "I'm a humble College Professor and an Athletics Coach.

"Oh yeah," she knowingly grinned, "It's a specialized athletics program, too, I believe, yes?"

"Okay, here it is," I admittedly laughed, "I'm an Instructor/Coach for the University of Houston's first all girls Karate team."

"Now that is very cool, Mike," she excitedly smiled, "I earned my black belt in Tae Kwon Do while I was in college. Is there any chance that I could come and sit in on one of your classes?"




A Promise Kept Ch. 02



"Why not," I grinned, "I hold class every afternoon at four o'clock in the northern wing of the main gym, okay?"

"Thanks, Mike," she grinned, "I may surprise you and show up this afternoon."

"Please do," I grinned, "I think you'll be impressed by my girls. Three of them studied Tae Kwon Do as well so; you won't be alone."

"Alright then, I will," she appreciatively replied, "I look forward to it, and thank you."

"You're welcome, Doc," I grinned, "We'll see you this afternoon," and then I went back into my sister's hospital room to talk with Gavin.

~~~~~~

"So, how did she do?" I smiled, gently taking Britt's hand in mine, "Do you think there's enough evidence to get an indictment?"

"The samples that the Emergency Room took when they examined her after her attack are still in good condition," Gavin replied, "I just got off of the phone with Judge Harlan Benson, and the warrant for their arrest will be issued within the hour."

"Great," I happily grinned, "Now what happens?"

"Now we go pick them up," Gavin told me, "Well, as soon as we get the warrant, that is."

"Once we get them booked in," Amanda continued, "Then I take biological samples."

"I know what biological samples are," I told her, "But what kind of biological are we talking about, here?"

"Oh, the usual," she grinned, "Blood, Urine and Epithelial Skin samples."

"They've developed a new form of testing for this stuff, Michael," Brittany widely grinned, "When Tommy Powers' little dick squirted his sperm on my belly, they took samples of it...it's called DNA now."

"Deoxyribonucleic Acid," I victoriously grinned, "That means that the "biological footprint" that Tommy Powers left will be his undoing."

Suddenly the phone in Brittany's room began to ring, and when Britt answered it, she said, "Okay, hang on, she's right here," and the she handed the phone to Detective Adkins, "It's for you."

"This is Detective Adkins," she said into the phone. "I understand...And it is in affect now...Thank you very much, your honor," and then she hung the phone up.

Amanda looked at us with a big smile on her face and said, "That was Judge Benson, and the arrest warrants for Tommy Powers, Mark Hopkins, and Larry Lowe, for the Aggravated Rape, as well as the Aggravated Felony Assault of one Brittany Walker have just been handed down, are now in effect. Excuse us for now, but Detective Phelps and I have some arrests to make." Grinning at Gavin, Amanda then smiled and said, "Come on, Gavin let's go arrest those three assholes.

"You got it, Partner," he grinned, and then told us, "We'll have those three shit heads in custody with the hour. I'll keep you posted."

"Thanks, Gavin," I smiled, "I really appreciate everything you two are doing."

"You're welcome," he smiled, "We'd better get moving," and then he and Amanda were gone...

~~~~~~

"I feel so much better," Brittany smiled, squeezing my hand, "Especially now that I know those fuckers are gonna be off the street."

"And you better believe that they're going to get a prison sentence out of this," I happily replied, "I'll make damn sure of that."

"We still have to be careful, Michael," Brittany warned, "When old Judge Powers gets wind of this, you can bet that someone is going to catch hell."

"I believe you," I said, "But if he tries to come down on me, I'll destroy his whole family line, you can be sure of that."

"Please don't go looking for trouble," Brittany pleaded, "That old bastard is dangerous, Michael."

"Maybe so," I told her, "But you forgot about something, baby sister."

"Is that right?" she asked, "And what did I forget?"

"You forgot about me," I coldly replied, "I am, by far, more dangerous than all of those idiots put together...count on it."

"You need to stay out of it, Michael;" my sister began to cry, "What if something bad should happen to you, then what am I supposed to do? You're the only brother I've got."

"There's something you don't know about me, Brittany," I told her.

"Oh really," she sniffled, "And what don't I know, Michael?"

"Dealing with assholes like Judge Powers, Robert Dresden, and those chicken-shit, ass-kissers on the Board of Regents is something that I'm very good at," I replied, "The Government called what I did "Pest Control."

"I don't care," she told me, "Either way, it sounds dangerous..."

~~~~~~

Chapter Three

"So, how's Brittany?" Kara asked me that afternoon, "Is she alright?"

"She is now," I happily replied, having just spoken with Gavin, who confirmed the arrest of the three animals that raped my little sister, "They just arrested those three assholes who raped and beat her; plus, we have a surprise guest coming to sit in with us in class this afternoon. She's a black belt, too."

"She?" Kara teased, "Hmm, it seems like I can't turn my back on you for a minute before you start picking up strange women."

"Oh, be quiet," I laughed, "It's not like that. This lady is a Clinical and Forensic Psychiatrist who's been assigned to my sister's case."

"I know, baby," Kara grinned, "Brittany already called me and told me to bust your balls about it...I love you."

"Whatever," I grinned, "I can see right now that I'm, going to have to keep the two of you apart from now on."

"Yeah right," Kara snorted, "That'll be the day."

"Please," I teased Kara, quickly swatting her on the ass, not meaning to smack her beautiful butt cheek as hard as I did, "You don't scare me one bit, girlie."

"You watch it, asshole," Kara angrily replied, turning around and looking at me with fire brightly burning in her beautiful dark brown eyes, "You swat me on the ass like that again and I'll kick your ass, you fucker...I hate that shit," and then her eyes began to fill with tears.

"I'm sorry, baby," I gently told her, immediately hopping to my feet and placing my arms around her waist from behind, "I really wasn't trying to hurt your feelings, and I also didn't mean to swat your ass so hard either...I love you, Kara Matlock! I always will, even after I'm dead."

"A couple of asshole frat boys once smacked my ass with their bare hands when I was in college," she quietly told me, "And then they would make a sound like a cow mooing, and say things like, "Move that big ass Cow Girl," and it used to really hurt my feelings very badly...and then when I came back that next year with all of the weight gone, the guys started asking me out. I didn't go out with any of them though...and then when they found out that it was me, they acted even worse."

"My God," I replied, appalled by what she's told me, "Why don't you tell me who they are and I'll..."

"No, you won't, because I don't want to see you get in trouble because of those dickless assholes," she smiled, turning and kissing me, "But thank you for the thought, my handsome lover."

"You're welcome," I grinned, until I heard a knock on the office door...

"Besides," she impishly laughed, "I beat their asses, myself; when I earned my black belt at the beginning of my senior year."

"Is that right?" I grinned, "And did anything happen to you because of it?"

"Not a single thing," she triumphantly smiled, "First of all, they wouldn't stop harassing me. Secondly, I whipped their asses in front of their friends so; they basically got their balls busted because of it, and they both transferred out at mid semester..."

~~~~~~

"I'm ready to testify to what I saw Tommy Powers do, Coach," Petra Anderson told me, appearing when I opened my office door, right before class began that afternoon, "I heard that they finally got arrested for what they did, and I want to make sure that they don't do that to anyone else again."

I sensed anger within Petra that I was unable to ascertain the source of so; I asked her about it, point blank.

"Why're you so angry about this, Petra?" I asked, "Is there something you would like to talk about?"

"I can talk to Coach Matlock about it," she said, her pretty green eyes beginning to fill with tears, "But I can't tell you about it because you'll think I'm dirty, Coach."

"Let me guess," I knowingly but very gently asked, "Tommy Powers raped you, too, didn't he?"

"Yes, sir," she began to cry, "But he did it last year a week before my eighteenth birthday."

"And how old was he?" I asked, "And would you like to tell me why you never reported it?"

"He had just turned eighteen," she cried, "And I never told anyone because Tommy said that no one would believe me because of who his father and grandfather are."

Amanda appeared right at that moment, and knowing that I was doing the right thing, I introduced Petra to her, and with Kara and Amanda in the office with her, I closed the door and let Petra talk to the women, as opposed to feeling uncomfortable with me being around. 

Besides, the more comfortable and relaxed Petra felt talking to Amanda and Kara, the more likely she was to remember more intimate details of the crime, ensuring that Tommy Powers' little fucking ass would get more time in prison than I knew he was already going to get.

~~~~~~

I gave the rest of the class the day off, figuring that all work and no play would make them get wound up too tight. Besides they had a Tournament coming up in a few days and I didn't want them to lose focus during a fight because they hadn't taken the time to relax during their training regimen.

~~~~~~

After Amanda and Kara had finished questioning Petra, I asked them how it went.

"That little girl is going to make a great witness," Amanda smiled, "And if the jury agrees with the prosecutor, then Tommy Powers and his two idiot fiends will get at least ten years, maybe even fifteen."

"Damn right," Kara hissed, "I can't believe what that fucking animal did not only to Brittany, but to our sweet Petra, too, Michael."

"Good," I grinned teasing, "But I noticed that you're wearing your Karate Gi, Amanda. It makes me think that you came to fight." 

"You're right, Coach," she girlishly laughed, "Why aren't you dressed out yet?"

"Is that an invitation, I'm hearing," I laughed, "Or is it a challenge?"

"A little bit of both," she good-naturedly boasted, "So, why don't you go dress out, and then it's time to put up, or shut up; big boy."

"Oh really," I goaded her, "I'll be right back...but when we get on the mat, I don't want you to take the ass whipping I'm going to give you personally."

"Like I said," Amanda grinned, "Put up, or shut up."

"Oh, so it's like that, huh?" I cockily asked, "It's time for you to pay the piper, little girl...I'll be right back..."

"Shut up," she playfully spouted, "I'm going to introduce you to some very new levels of pain when you return, Coach!"

~~~~~~

I returned to the mat dressed in full sparing gear, all the way down to my mouthpiece, which I was carrying in my gloved right hand.

"Alright, Kara, you're going to referee this fight," I instructed her, ""We're going to fight by the I.S.K.A. rules. The first person to five points wins, okay?"

"You got it, baby," she giggled, "Both of you need to hit the mat, now," and that's where it began.

Amanda threw a flurry of straight punches, and of course I blocked them, and threw a solidly fast spinning backfist, which, not only did it connect, it knocked Amanda to the mat, stunning her and giving me a point, but also making me ask her, "Are you alright?"

"Eat me," she viciously spat, "You hit like a bitch," and then she immediately sprang back up to her feet; landing in a ready stance, "Is that all you've got, little boy?"

"Point," Kara announced, taking my hand and raising it.

"Uh, oh," I teased, "Somebody's losing their temper...nasty, nasty," I viciously goaded her, "We mustn't lose our temper little, girl," and just then I came in on her with a short jab to the jaw, scoring another point,"

"Point," Kara announced, taking my hand and raising it, again; "Two to nothing, Advantage, Michael."

This time Amanda wasted no time, and the moment Kara said, "Resume", she stepped back, as opposed to coming with a full frontal attack like I expected her to. I unintentionally left my right side wide open, and Amada made me pay for it with short snap kick to the right side of my head, dropping me to the mat like a hot potato.

"Point," Kara announced, "Three to Two, Advantage, Amanda," and then she laughed and told Amanda, "Way to go, girl."

"Time out," I said, as I slowly picked myself up off of the mat, and then I looked at Amanda smiling and said, "Damn, girl, you kick pretty damn good."

"I didn't mean to hurt you," she suddenly said, a slight look of fear in her eyes, "We need to stop this fight."

"I didn't say that we need to quit fighting," I grinned, "I just said that you kick very well. You're only one point ahead of me...let's finish this."

"Okay," she grinned, "It's you're hide, not mine."

"Uh, huh," I chuckled, waiting for the signal

"Ready," Kara announced, "Resume," and this time I decided to finish it once and for all. In doing so, I used my front outside right foot, lifting it as if to attempt a slow kick, and then the moment she dropped her hands to block it, I exploited the fact that her whole face was wide open, by using the same foot, quickly pulling it back and then snapping it around, as well as way in above the block, which landed on the left side of her head, just enough to make light, but firm enough tap on her head with my foot pad to let her know that definite contact had been made.

"Dammit," she quietly whispered, knowing I'd beaten her.

"Point and Match," Kara announced, raising my hand, and then throwing it back down and saying, "But you were fighting a female and I hardly think that's fair."

"Okay, fine," I laughed, as I began taking my pads off, "You fight her then, I'm whipped," and then I looked over at Amanda, and with a smile on my face, told her, "You're a very good fighter. I want you to know that."

"Thanks, Mike," she grinned, "I only wish I was as good as you are."

"Who says that you're not?" I politely asked, "I think that pound per pound, you held your own very well. The reason that I won this match was by using an old "Trick Kick" that I learned when I was a kid."

"Oh, I see," Amanda suspiciously grinned; "You're trying to say that you cheated, then, huh?" and then she and Kara began to laugh.

"No, I didn't actually cheat," I comically back-pedaled, "I used unfair tactics, regardless of how legal the kick was that scored the last three points."

"Then you won fair and square," Amanda grinned, "I know that kick was legal because I've used it myself. You caught me off-guard so; like I just said, you won..."

~~~~~~

"I really enjoyed myself," Amanda smiled, once her and Kara were in the locker room changing clothes, "Michael is a good guy, isn't he?"

"Yes, he is," Kara smiled, as she stood in front of Amanda in just her bra and panties, "And I love him very much."

"I can see that," Amanda knowingly grinned, "Please don't take this the wrong way, but from looking at you, I can see why he cares for you so much...you're very beautiful."

"Thank you," Kara graciously smiled; "I didn't always look like I do now though," and then she told Amanda the whole story of how she and I came to be together up to that point in our lives...

~~~~~~

"I'm glad you decided to come by," I told Amanda as she was leaving the gym, "I hope I didn't hurt you, Amanda; and if I did, I'm very sorry."

"Nah, you didn't hurt me," she admittedly chuckled, "The only thing that got bruised was my ego."

"I'm sorry about that, too," I smiled.

"Don't sweat it," she giggled, "I needed to come down off of my high horse anyway so; no harm, no foul."

"Are you sure," I asked, "I mean, I sure didn't want..."

"Don't worry, Mike," she gently smiled, "We're cool, you and me."

"Okay then," I chuckled, giving her a friendly hug, "You're always welcome here so; feel free to come back. As a matter of fact, I want you to come back, soon, too."

"Alright then," she happily smiled, breaking the hug from me, and then turning to hug Kara. "You take of him, girl," she giggled, "I can already tell that he's got the potential to be an aggravating turd."

"Has the potential," Kara loudly laughed, "What do you mean? He was born an aggravating turd. " 

Needless to say that we all had a good laugh, and then right before Amanda left, I asked her, "Was the information that Petra Anderson gave you any help at all?"

"Oh, hell yes," she victoriously grinned, "Now we also have raping a minor to add to the list of charges against this animal. There's not a judge or jury in the state that won't convict him for all the charges he's got on him, the little bastard."

"Good," I satisfactorily replied, "I know that I shouldn't say this, but I really don't care whether you're a police Detective or not. All I'm saying is that after what he and his dickless friends did to my sister, it's a very good thing that the three of them are behind bars. Otherwise, something is liable to happen to those boys, because as we all know, the world's a dangerous place anymore. Hell, Houston is the fifth largest city in the world, and it's very dangerous. Would you agree with me, Detective Adkins?"

"Oh, by all means," Amanda knowingly grinned, "I agree wholeheartedly, Coach."

"I appreciate it, Detective," I replied, then smiled and told her, "Thanks for all of your help; Amanda, seriously."

"You're very welcome," she smiled, "You two take good care of each other."

"We will," Kara smiled, "You come back and see us soon, girl."

"I will," she smiled in return, "Take care," and then she left the gym, disappearing down the hallway to the northern entrance.

~~~~~~

That evening found Kara, Jayne and I, at a place, which is no longer there, called Milagro's Crab Shack, down south on Galveston Island. Jayne and Kara were having the all you can eat Stuffed Crab, while I had the Maine Lobster. Of course I also had some crab cakes, not to mention a couple of dozen, peel and eat, Tiger Prawn. While we ate I drank lots of unsweet iced tea, and once we were done, the girls drank warm spice rum, while I drank some good old Jim Beam bourbon on the rocks.

Of course Kara drove so; she only had one, but it was Thursday so; because tomorrow was going to be a half day for the three of us, I decided on at least a couple more after the first one.

"Are you nervous about tomorrow, Michael," Jayne timidly asked, "I know that I would be."

"No, sweet girl, I'm not nervous," I gently replied, "Aside of the fact that I'm going to have you and Kara there to catch me if I fall; I'm never nervous about telling the truth."

"I love you, Michael Walker," Jayne sweetly told me, coming around to my side of the table and then kneeling down and hugging me, "You're the big brother I wish I had...kinda like Danny was."

"From now on you do have me as a big brother, sweetie," I quietly replied, gently kissing her cheek, "And nobody, I mean nobody will ever mess with you, or hurt you again. Do you understand?"

"Yes," she cried, muffled from having her face tucked into my shoulder, "Thank you, Michael..."

~~~~~~

"You know that Jayne idolizes you, honey," Kara tenderly told me, as we lay in bed together that night, "I think it's precious."

"Yeah, she's a sweetie," I contentedly smiled, "I got to looking and she's also one of my top students, too."

"That means that you're a good teacher, Michael," she softly replied, snuggling her naked body against mine, "I knew you'd be a good teacher. I don't know whether you know this, or not; Michael, but your students absolutely love you."

"They really are a pretty good group of kids," I proudly smiled, "I just don't want to let them down...especially not our girls."

"Our girls," Kara widely grinned, holding her head up on her arm, bent at the elbow, "Think that their beloved Coach Walker is not only a hunk, but most definitely the hottest, as well as the toughest guy any of them have ever seen."




A Promise Kept Ch. 02



"You're kidding me, right," I asked, "I mean, how could you possibly know this?"

"I think that you sometimes forget that I'm a girl, too, Michael," she teased, "And don't think for a second that I haven't overheard them talking in the locker room when they didn't know that I was there."

"Ooo, Kara," I laughed, teasing her, "That's wrong on so many levels. Are you that insecure about our relationship, sweetheart?"

"Well...no," she childishly pouted, "But you have to admit that we've got some really pretty girls on our team, and they..."

"Stop right there," I smiled, gently interrupting her, "That's what they are to me, too; girls. Did you hear me? I said girls. You, my beautiful darling, are a woman...my woman. Do you understand what I'm saying to you, Kara?"

"Yes," she replied, looking away from me, "I'm sorry for acting so immature, Michael. Can you forgive me?"

"I wouldn't worry about it too much, my beauty," I chuckled, gently placing my arms around her and pulling her against me, "It just lets me know that you love me."

"I've loved you my whole life, Michael," she softly sniffled, "And I'll do whatever it takes to keep you."

"Like I just said, baby, you have nothing to ever worry about," I softly replied, "I'll love you for the rest of my life. I swear to you I will, Kara."

"Mmm," she tenderly purred, pulling me tightly against her body, "Just hold me and never let go..." 

~~~~~~

Time seemed to fly by that next morning, because before I knew it, I was back home, getting ready to go see not only Danny's parents, but the rest of his immediate family as well. I'd made it a point to get all the photos and certificates and documents together that pertained to what I was going to tell them, and after this was finished, it would be the last time I ever spoke of it, as it was going to be extremely painful for me as it stood.

One thing that I never thought of, though was that maybe by talking about what I went through that day; I would perhaps find not only peace, but maybe some absolution from the guilt that I carried, knowing that there had to have been something else that I could've done that day to save him. 

Still though, I'd wracked my brain trying to find it, yet I couldn't seem to remember anything after he used his weight to pin me down in the hole we were using for cover to keep me from being discovered by enemy troops...But I'll go into that in a little while...

~~~~~~

Loading up in Kara's car, she and I followed the directions that Jayne had given us, and after about an hour; we found ourselves in the town of West Columbia, Texas. It was a cow town as most of the live stock that was raised in that area was cows and horses. However there were farmers as well, some grew grains while other grew rice, but all in all it seemed to be rather quiet, or at least that was my first impression of it.

~~~~~~

"Uncle John, Aunt Etienne," Jayne smiled, as she introduced me to Danny's mother and father, who, I say, he looked just like, "This is Professor Michael Walker, the man I've told you all about."

"Hello Mister and Missus Reed," I humbly said, "It's a great honor to meet you both. Thank you for having us in your home." 

And before I had the opportunity, Jayne took Kara by the hand, and in introducing her, said, "This is Doctor Kara Matlock. She was one of my student teachers when I was in high school, but she's the head of the Chemistry Department at the University of Houston, where I go to college."

"It's so nice to meet the both of you," Mr. Reed sadly smiled, "Please come in and make yourselves comfortable."

"How soon before the rest of the family gets here," I asked smiling, "I'm really anxious to meet them."

"Besides Jayne's Mom and Dad, who're gonna be here in a few minutes," he told me, "No one else wants to relive all of that pain. I'm sorry, Professor Walker."

"That's okay, Mister Reed," I gently consoled him, "And please, call me, Mike."

"Thanks, Mike," he smiled, "I can see at lot of him in you in just the few moments you've been here, I thought you should know that, son."

"Thank you, sir," I humbly replied, fighting tooth and nail to keep from crying, while Ms. Etienne and Jayne talked with Kara, "You honor me, Mister Reed."

"My name is John, and my wife's name is Etienne," he smiled, "Okay, Mike?"

"Okay, John," I grinned, "I hope we can remain friends."

"All ya gotta do is pick up the phone and call me, kid," he chuckled, "I'll see to it that you have our telephone number before you leave here."

Two seconds later a man walked through the front door smiling, followed by a woman that could've passed as Jayne's twin, only with longer hair, everything else was the same.

"These are my parents," Jayne excitedly grinned grabbing each of their hands, "Coach Michael Walker, allow me to introduce to my parents, Alexander and Kathryn Whitmore. You two already know Ms. Kara, I mean Doctor Kara."

"It's nice to meet you, Coach Walker," Jayne's father heartily smiled, giving me a firm handshake, "My daughter speaks very highly of you both, of course my wife and I knew Kara when she was Jaynie's student teacher."

"Uh excuse me, Dad," Jayne cooly told him, "I'm not a little girl anymore and I go by just Jayne, okay?"

"Okay, just Jayne," he teased her, making me snicker, "Whatever you say, baby girl," which, while she was doing a fair job of covering it, I could see that her father's words had slightly infuriated her.

"Don't listen to him, Michael," Kara teased, "Alex Whitmore will get you into all kinds of trouble."

"Uh huh," Alex loudly chuckled, looking at me, "I can see that you have the same trouble that I do, my friend."

"Is that right?" I played along, "And what trouble would that be, friend?"

"After crossing his arms with a shit-eating grin on his face, Alex leaned over and told me, "My wife thinks that she's in charge, too," which of course caused me to double over in laughter.

"See what I mean, honey," Kara giggled, "I told you that he'd get you into trouble, didn't I?"

~~~~~~

It wasn't long before we all sat down and began to talk. Both of Danny's parents, as well as his sister and brother, not to mention his precious little cousin, Jayne, all had their eyes glued to me as I passed out pictures that I had taken, or that were taken of all of us in "The Team", for each and every one of them to look at. I gave them the same information that I'd given Kara while Jayne was unpacking her room, and then interrupted me before I could continue...

~~~~~~

"Thank you for doing this, Michael," Ms. Etienne smiled, wiping tears from her eyes, "I feel like I'm getting to see the parts of my son's life that I didn't know about."

"She's right, honey," Kara sniffled, then smiled and asked, "What happened next?"

~~~~~~

Chapter Four

UNITED STATES NAVAL AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT COMMAND CORONADO, CALIFORNIA APRIL 7, 1978

"Move your ass, Walker," Lt. Reed barked, as we were going through the end of dive training, "My eighty year old Granny can run faster than you."

Needless to say, I decided that it was neither the time nor the place for any kind of smart assed comment so; using the good sense that God gave me, I chose to remain silent at that moment.

"What's the matter, boy?" Reed growled, "You don't have any kind of witty come back this morning?"

"Yes, sir," I grinned as I ran, not breaking the pace with my peers, "I just thought that I'd wait until after lunch when everyone has eaten, sir."

"CLASS ONE-OH-FOUR, HALT," he loudly yelled, "It appears that we have a comedian in our midst so; with that in mind, you're going to ruin an extra three miles because of Petty Office Walker's smart mouth," which, that comment immediately elicited loud, tired groans, as well as angry stares at me from my class mates.

"That's not right, sir," I immediately told Lt. Reed, "The whole class shouldn't be made to pay for something I said, sir."

"Is that right," Reed viciously laughed, "It's called being part of a team boy," he began to seethe, "And if you don't like it, that's just tough shit, Petty Officer Walker."

"Permission to speak freely, sir," I requested.

"Alright," he laughed, "This ought to be real good...permission granted."

"Fine then," I snapped, "If you want to be pissed off because you got your ass whipped, that's perfect; you can be pissed off at me, because I'm the one that did it. As far as the rest of the class is concerned, I don't want them to pay for my mistakes, sir; I'd just as soon be responsible for my own fuck ups...as well as the fuck ups that anyone in this class makes if that will satisfy your sense of fairness." 

"Uh, huh," he spat, "So, what're you trying to say, boy."

"First off, I'm not a boy," I began, knowing that I was probably going to get dismissed from my BUD/S class, "Second of all, I know that you hate me, and that's fine, because at least I've got the guts to tell you to your face that I hate you right back as opposed to hiding behind the fucking rules...sir!"

"You're right, I don't like your little smart ass," he laughed, "And I agree with you about the rest of this class having to run extra because of your smart ass mouth, Walker, so; this is what we're going to do. I'm giving the rest of the class the day off while you and I go through a special type of training. I want you in your full BDU's and in you're A.O. (Area of Operations) in twenty minutes. Class is dismissed, except for you, Walker."

~~~~~~

As I stood before Lieutenant Reed in SEAL Team One's area of operations at full attention, I was wearing my full battle dress uniform, including my Vietnam conflict issue jungle boots.

"Second Class Petty Officer Mike Walker reporting as ordered, sir," I said, the moment Danny approached me.

With him were Masterchief Petty Officer Dick Smith, and the Commander of the Naval Special Warfare Group, Admiral J. Evan White. They casually walked in with Admiral White smiling for reasons unknown to me at the time.

"So," Admiral White chuckled, "This is him, huh?"

"Yes, sir," Reed sarcastically grinned, "He thinks he's a bad ass, sir."

"Is that correct, Walker?" he pointedly asked me, "Are you a bad ass who seems to think you know more than we do?"

"No, sir," I respectfully replied, "Not in the least, sir."

"Well then," he told me, "If that's the case, then one of you is lying to me. Are you calling Lieutenant Reed a liar, son?"

"No, sir," I replied, still stand rigidly at attention, "I'm not calling anyone anything, Admiral, sir."

"Then what seems to be the problem, sailor?" he crossly inquired, "Why can't you get along with this Officer?"

"Permission to speak freely sir," I asked again.

"Permission granted," he grinned, I can't wait to hear this...go ahead, kid...I'm all ears."

"Lieutenant Reed isn't a liar, sir," I respectfully began, and then lowered the boom by telling Admiral White, "He's a whining titty-baby that can't take an ass-whipping like a man, sir."

"Do you mean to tell me that you struck one of my Officers, Petty Officer?" White fiercely asked, "And you'd better damn well tell me the truth, boy."

"I only defended myself, Admiral White, sir," I quickly let him know, "He was the one who absolved me of any responsibility when he took off his hat and told me that rank wasn't an issue."

"Which one of you took the first swing?" he quietly seethed, "And I want the truth, dammit."

"It was me, Admiral," Danny admitted, "I took the first swing, sir."

"Dammit, Reed," Admiral White loudly admonished him; "Don't you know that I could bring you up on charges, you dummy?"

"Yes, sir," Danny replied, his eyes cast downward, "I'll go turn myself into the Shore Patrol Office right now, sir."

"Excuse me, Admiral White, sir," I spoke up, "May I be allowed to speak."

"Go ahead," White said, "What's on your mind, son?"

"Please excuse me for saying this," I humbly replied, "But don't you think he learned his lesson when his peers and team mates ragged him pretty badly because he got his ass whipped by one of his students...especially because he picked the fight to begin with."

"You're right, kid," Admiral White began to laugh, "I heard all about it yesterday...and to tell you the truth, I thought it was funny as hell." Then, as he looked back and forth between Danny and me, he quietly told us, "I don't know what's going on between the two of you; but you'd damn well better squash it right here and now. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, sir," I respectfully replied, "Loud and clear, Admiral, sir."

"Yes, sir, skipper," Danny said, still glaring at me, "I read you, sir."

I extended my hand in friendship first, looking into Danny's eyes, and told him, "I'm sorry for being such a smart ass, Lieutenant Reed, sir. It won't happen again, I swear."

"Bullshit, yes it will," Danny laughed, as we shook hands, "Get the hell outta here. I believe I gave the class the day off."

"Maybe so, sir," I respectfully acknowledged him, "But I've still got a fuck up that I haven't made right yet, and I believe in paying my debts as soon as possible, SIR."

"Alright then," Danny firmly replied, "I want you to put on a full dive pack, and then report right back here to me as soon as you're done."

"Well, I'll be damned," Admiral White grinned, shaking his head, "You've got a lot of guts, kid...I'll give you that," and then turned around and walked away...

~~~~~~

"Alright, shit head; this is what we're gonna do." Danny laughed, reverting back to being his same old hard ass self, as I stood in the shin-deep, tidal surge water of the Pacific Ocean, along the "Silver Strand" as it's known to anyone who's ever been through BUD/S. I was wearing a full eighty-pound, Dive Pack upon my back, when Danny Reed looked me in the eyes, and sneered, "You're going to run what's called a Five and Five. Do you know what that is, Walker?"

"No, sir," I replied, "But I've got the feeling that I'm about to find out."

"That's right, asshole," he laughed, "You're going to run; in this tidal surge, five miles down the beach, and then five miles back...you'll be broken when you get done." He continued to laugh, for a few seconds before he stopped, and then with an arrogant tone of voice, he looked at me and disgustedly said, "The record on this particular course is sixty-eight minutes and twenty-six seconds. I know you can't beat it so; don't even try."

It had now come to the matter of challenging him and building a hint of mutual respect between us so; while I was not really sure that I could do what I was about to propose, I did it anyway.

"Let me ask you something, Lieutenant Reed, sir," I inquired, "Are you a betting man?"

I knew that I'd discovered a potential weakness by the iniquitous smile that came over his face when he said, "Maybe, what's the bet and what've you got to bet with?"

"I've got two hundred and fifty bucks in my locker," I plainly said, "And that same two hundred and fifty bucks says that I can break the course record."

"Oh, hell yes," he laughed, "I'm really going to enjoy the lap dances that money's gonna buy me tonight."

"There's one more thing," I told him, "And this is part of it, too, or the bet's off. Do we have a deal?"

"Alright, Walker, you win," he snapped, "Now, what is it?"

"When I break the course record, and I will," I said, looking him squarely in the eyes, "You quit dogging my every step, and back the fuck off and quit trying to trip me up, okay?"

"What's the matter, Pollywog?" he smugly laughed, "You ain't got what it takes to be a Frog?"

"I've got what it takes, and you damn well know it," I replied, "But then again there's also fair play."

"THERE IS NO FAIR PLAY IN WAR, DAMMIT," he loudly yelled, then after looking around, making sure that no one saw or heard him, he calmly continued, "What the hell do you think we're trying to teach you here."

"I know what I'm being taught, and you're right, there is no fair play in war," I pointedly replied, "But when I go into a war, I wanna make sure that someone on my own team isn't going to shoot me in the back when I'm not looking."

"I could see a sudden light of understanding; regardless of how small it was, making its way across his face. And in doing so, he looked at me, and with a more respectful tone of voice, said, "Alright, kid; you're on," shaking hands to seal the deal while he continued to talk, "If you win this bet, and that's a mighty big "If", then I'll back off and lighten up on you. However, if your progress slows down even once, then I'm going to be so far up your ass that it's going to take a Proctologist to get me out. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, sir," I grinned, saluting him right before I looked at my watch, and told him, "I'll see you back here in about fifty minutes," and then I took off running at a good even pace.

"Yeah, right," I heard Danny grumble, "Fifty minutes my ass."

~~~~~~

I ran at a steady pace, and at this point in my training, my body was in such good shape that the dive pack seemed nowhere near as heavy as it once was, and with this new burst of determination, I stepped the pace up a little bit more. 

After about the first four and half miles, I had no problem with the tidal surge that I was running in. On the way down the beach to the five mile marker I was able to mentally map the spots where the tide ran deeper and heavier than it did in other places, which was going to guarantee me better time on the way back...

~~~~~~

As I rounded the Five Mile Marker Post that was concreted into the beach, I checked my watch and smiled at the time; knowing that as I headed back I was more that making up for any lost time, and knew that I was going to be able to break the record with at least an eight to twelve minute lead.

And remembering where the deeper places were that might've slowed me on the way toward the marker, I simply ran around them, heading away from the marker. Suddenly the wind picked up as it began blowing into my back, acting as a resting cushion for the dive pack on my back, which, by this time, was definitely making its presence known.

Still though, I was bound and determined not to break the pace, and in doing so, I remembered what I'd been told during hell week. I remembered Danny barking, and I quote, "Move your asses, people; as long as you're feeling pain, then you're still alive..." 

~~~~~~

I was within a half mile of the finish, and I could see Danny sitting there in a jeep that he'd apparently gone and picked up. What, did he think I was going to need an ambulance? "Yeah, right," I openly laughed, picking up the pace and running as fast as I could move my legs for that last one hundred, or so, yards to the finish line.

"Fifty-six, sixteen," I laughed, crossing the finish line, and knowing that I had beaten the course record by a full twelve minutes, "I told you I'd do it, sir."

"I'll be damned, kid," he almost proudly smiled. He even helped me take my dive pack off and placed it in the back of the jeep for me, "I've got to say, you really impressed the shit out of me. Congratulations, kid; you now hold the course record."

"Give me just a second, sir," I grinned, then took off my hat, threw it on the hood of the jeep, and after peeling my BDU tunic off, I jumped into the cold refreshing Pacific water. 

"HOO-YAH," I yelled, holding up both arms as I stood up and walked back to shore, "Man that felt great."

"I'll bet it did," Danny laughed, getting into the jeep and starting if up, "Hop in, Mike; I'll drive you to your barracks."

"Wait a minute, sir," I asked, nodding toward the back where my dive gear lay, "I've still got to rinse the salt water out of my dive pack."

"Don't sweat it," he laughed, "I've got it covered...You did it...You not only broke the course record, but you won yourself some money in the process, which, I'll have in your hand in a couple of hours if that's alright."




A Promise Kept Ch. 02



"That's fine," I chuckled, feeling like a human being as opposed to an animal, for the first time since I got to BUD/S, "I hadn't really thought about the money until you mentioned it."

"Oh, one more thing," he knowingly grinned, "Happy Birthday, Mike."

"Thank you, sir," I respectfully laughed, "I guess I forgot about that, too."

"You can call me, Danny, when you're not in class," he chuckled, "You've more than earned the right, kid."

~~~~~~

"So, you're still here," Ray Brennerman, one of the guys in my boat crew, said, when I walked into the enlisted barracks, "We thought for sure that Lieutenant Reed was gonna kick you out this time."

"Those days are over, brother," I proudly smiled, "I just beat the course record on the Five and Five by a full twelve minutes."

"Bullshit," Ray grinned, "Did you really?"

"Yeah," I grinned, nodding my head, "I still can't believe it either."

~~~~~~

I was out by myself that evening having some Mexican food at one of my favorite places, Maldonado's Mexican Restaurant. The waitress had just finished taking my order and set my first Margarita down onto the table in front of me, and after I opened my eyes from enjoying the first taste of it, Danny was sitting at my table with a stupid look plastered across his face.

"Damn," I said, jumping from being startled, "You scared the shit outta me. Where the hell did you come from?"

"I was down the street and I saw your jeep pass by," he explained, "So; I followed you; because I wanted to talk to you off base."

"That's fine," I said, "Have you eaten yet?"

"As a matter of fact, no," he smiled, "Is the chow any good here?"

"Are you kidding me?" I chuckled, "This is some of the best Mexican food I've ever eaten, man."

When the waitress saw Danny sitting at the table, she came and took his drink order, and after returning from the bar with his drink in hand, she took his food order and then left us alone to attend to the other patrons in her section while our food was being prepared.

"Here," he grinned, sliding a bank envelope across the table to me, "There's two hundred and fifty dollars in that envelope, and I believe that makes us even now, Mike,"                                      "Yes," I happily replied, after taking the cash out of the envelope, counting it, then putting it into my front pants pocket, "Thank you for keeping up your end of the bet, sir. It shows me what kind of person you really are."

"Feel free to call me Danny when we're not on base, Mike," he told me, "Like I already told you...you've earned that ..."

~~~~~~

"I need to ask you something, Danny," I said, as we stood outside the Maldonado's in preparation to go our separate ways that evening, "Why have you been harder on me than anyone else in this class?"

"I'll tell you why," he knowingly grinned, "The first time I looked at you, it was like looking into a full length mirror; and I knew right then that there was no way in hell that I was going to let you fail. I told myself that I was going to do whatever it took to keep you from ringing out and quitting, no matter how pissed off you got at me."

"Why didn't you just tell me that from the beginning?" I chuckled, "It would've saved us both a whole lot of headache..."

~~~~~~

"What kind of military man was my son?" John asked, "Was he good at his job, Mike...I mean, Jayne told all of us that you knew him?"

"He was very good at what he did," I assured them, "If it weren't for Danny, I wouldn't be here...that's for damn sure."

"Why did the Navy lie to us?" Etienne impatiently, but still ever so softy in her true Cajun accent asked, "How did he really die, Mike? Please tell us the truth, chere. (A French/Cajun word, second definition, meaning: loved one, as a parent to its child)." 

"Alright, here it is," I began, about to relive one of the most painful of all of the horrible moments the I'd experienced when I was in the Navy, "It all started out as an idea, really and..."

~~~~~~

BUD/S QUARTERDECK GRADUATION DAY FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 1978 CORONADO CLAIFORNIA                                                                      At nine o'clock that morning, sixteen of the original one hundred and twenty-seven men that had started our class, stood in front of the Quarter Deck Platform to receive their diplomas for having graduated, what history would come to call, the toughest training in the world; Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL school.

After we'd been presented with our diplomas, we went to a local club there on Coronado, where we had a few more drinks, and reveled in our success. However, knowing that success only lasts when you're doing your job correctly.

~~~~~~

All but five of the guys who were in our BUD/S class took the opportunity to take leave when it got offered to us after graduation. And like I just said, the five of us that remained were allowed to begin to our tactical training early. I really enjoyed it, because the teaching was more individualized, and it seemed that Lt. Danny Reed had drawn me as his student.

Of course we both knew it was bullshit; but still, it made me realize right then that Danny had been correct in saying that I reminded him of his own self. It wasn't that I tried to emulate him, I didn't. I just found that his way was, to me, was the best way of doing things so; I simply adopted his ideas and modified them with my own.

At any rate, Danny became my mentor of sorts, and I paid very close attention to him and therefore, quickly learned everything he taught me. In the short three and a half weeks that I was under his daily tutelage, Danny taught me to hone and sharpen the gifts that I already possessed.

"What gifts," I asked teasing, "According to you and the Navy, I have only the things you guys gave me."

"Come on, man, I'm serious," he chuckled, as we were walking to noon chow, "I already told you why I stayed on your ass so much, but you wouldn't have even caught my eye if you didn't have your own gifts, pal."

"I really appreciate it, Danny," I truthfully replied, "But I still don't understand what you're talking about."

"We'll talk about it after lunch," he grinned, as we approached the chow hall, "I'm starving, L.B."

"Wait a minute," I said, "What did you just call me?"

"I called you L.B.," he chuckled patting me on the shoulder, "It means Little Brother, now come on, man...Let's go eat."

~~~~~~

It was only twelve thirty when we finished eating, and we didn't have anything scheduled until fourteen thirty hours and was only going to last for about thirty minutes so; we were afforded some time to talk.

"What were you talking about before lunch," I asked, as Danny and I sat in the dive shack under the air conditioner, "What "gifts" were you talking about?"

"Look, man," he grinned, lifting his feet from the deck and placing them on the coffee table in front of him "You and I both know that you're a bass ass and can single-handedly take down every man in your class, from beginning to end; but...You don't project that kind of image in the least...hell, you're even more detached when it comes to being a frog."

"I don't know," I quietly replied, "I just don't believe in starting anything that I'm not prepared to finish. Don't get me wrong...I don't go looking for trouble; but sometimes, it has a way of finding me, but so far it hasn't been anything I wasn't able to take care of rather quickly."

"Yeah, that's what I heard," he grinned, "And don't think I haven't talked to your past commanding officers, why else did I chose you as a student...that's what mentors do." 

"That sucks," I teased, "And all this time I thought it was because I was so damn good at what I do."

"Oh really," he good-naturedly poked at me, "And exactly what is it that you do...right now."

"Uh, well," I grinned, "Right now my job is to listen to you, and to do what you tell me to do, Lieutenant."

~~~~~~

Chapter Five

"That's right," he chuckled, and then he turned and looked at me in way that I knew to take him seriously, and told me, "I'm gonna tell you right now, Mike; that you're about the best I've ever seen come through these halls, but there's also a downside to that, too. I don't want you to be ignorant of it when it comes...but know that it will come."

"What're you talking about?" I asked, "What will come?" 

"The rush," he menacingly replied, "The power you feel when you take a human life for the very first time."

"Not me," I adamantly brazenly told him, "I refuse to become that weak."

"This has nothing to do with being weak or strong," he said, "This is about being able to resist a temptation that is older than sin itself. This is the temptation of the flesh at its purest and most evil form, Michael, and the moment you get that through your head, the quicker you'll be able to resist it."

"I understand what you're trying to me, Danny, I really do," I earnestly told him, "But you've got to have faith in me, because I know what I'm doing...I don't know how I know, I just know, that all."

"Well, I hope so," he gravely replied, "Because your orders have just come through. You're going to be attached to SEAL Team Three, Underwater Demolition Team Twenty-Six. You need to report, tomorrow morning to Lieutenant Commander David Turner, in full BDU's in the SEAL Team Three's A.O."

"Holy shit," I gasped, "But what about the probation for six months, as well as all of the tactical training I've got left to do?" 

"As far as the training goes," he grinned, "You'll get that on the job," and then he reached into his lower BDU leg pocket and retrieved something I couldn't see, then he looked at me and said, "As far as the probation goes, don't fuck up;" and then he threw a bright, shiny, brand new Trident (The insignia worn by all SEALs) toward me but it fell short and gently landed on the table in front of me as he told me, "Congratulations, Mike! You are officially inducted into the ranks of the Navy SEALs, welcome, and stand to be counted when we're called."

"Oh, Man," I grinned, "I can't believe this is happening. I did it, holy shit, I did it."

"Believe it," Danny grinned, "You did it, L.B....I'll be damned."

"Wait a minute," I suddenly asked, "Where are you going to be? Aren't you coming with me?"

"Nah," he clearly and regretfully replied, "The Navy has me teaching young frogs like you, and right now that's where they think that I'm needed the most."

"This is such bullshit," I seethed, knowing what a great Frog that Danny had been and still was, "There's got to be something that can be done, can't there?"

"Leave it alone, kid," he said, rising from his seat and turning to walk away, "We'll meet again...The Teams are made up of a very small community..."

~~~~~~

"You guys saw each other," Kara suddenly asked, "What happened after you went to the new team?"

"Of course they saw each other," Jayne laughed, hugging Kara, "How else would Michael know how it turned out, silly goose?"

"I'm sorry, Michael," Kara smiled at me, "You know how impatient I can be."

"That, I do, my love, that I do," I gently grinned, leaning down and kissing her beautiful cheek, "Any way; I'd been given orders to report to my new SEAL team, and I was excited in a way, because..."

~~~~~~

"Second Class Petty Officer, Michael Walker," I announced, as I stood before my new Commanding Officer, "Reporting as Ordered; sir."

"At ease, Petty Officer," Commander David Turner grinned, "So you're the famous Mike Walker, huh? I've heard alot of good things about you, kid."

"Hoo-Yah, sir," I respectfully replied, "Just trying to do my best for the Teams and for my country, sir."

"Relax, man, and take a seat," he said, as I sat down in the chair in front of his desk, "We're pretty informal around here so; when the old man's not here, I want you to call me David, or just plain old Dave, like everyone else does. You got it, Mike is it?"

"Yes sir...err, I mean, yeah," I grinned, "No problem Dave."

"Good," he knowingly grinned, "You'll meet the rest of the team tonight when we all muster for briefing. I want you in full BDU when you report to SOCOM no later than eighteen thirty hours. I'll be at the front door to meet you as soon as you get there. In the mean time, I want you to take the time to look around here and try to get accustomed to your new home till you either get killed, or your enlistment expires," and then he began to laugh, letting me know that he'd been kidding with me. But still, the possibility of death lingered in every SEALs mind. Hell, someone would have to be totally insane, or be just plain crazy for it not to; there is a difference you know."

~~~~~~

I pulled my jeep into the parking lot around six twenty-five that evening, put it into park, and then turned off the engine and got out. The parking lot was about fifty yards from the building, so I wouldn't realize what lay in wait for me until I got there.

~~~~~~

It was very clear what had happened when I rounded the corner and saw who awaited me. Both of our faces lit up when we discovered what had happened.

"Danny Reed," I grinned, "What the hell are you doing here?"

"My job, shit head," he openly laughed, "The real question of the day is; what're you doing here?"

"It beats the shit out of me," I unknowingly replied, "The Officer of the deck told me that the word came from SOCOM that I was to report here."

"You two know each other then," Dave Turner grinned, as he rounded the corner to the front doors of the building, "Come on gentlemen, we have work to do."

"Hold on a minute, Dave," Danny suddenly asked, "Does this mean that I'm put back on the active list?"

"You're here, aren't you?" Dave opinionatedly replied, "Just don't make me sorry that I did this. I went out of a limb for you, bro...a mighty big limb."

"I know you did," Danny solemnly told him, "And thanks, Dave, you won't regret it, bro, I swear."

"Good," he grinned, "Briefing is in twenty minutes and the kid hasn't met the rest of the Team yet."

~~~~~~

Apparently something had gone on with Danny that I knew nothing about. Damn, I don't know what he did, but for him to have been taken off of the active duty roster meant that whatever he did must've been pretty bad. I didn't know at the time what it was, but I was very interested in knowing, just for the sake of personally making sure he didn't mess up again, or whatever it was that he must have done.

~~~~~~

As we walked into the briefing room, it was apparent that Danny knew the other three members of the Team. Brad Tarkington was a big guy who probably weighed somewhere around three hundred pounds, and stood roughly six feet, five inches tall, and although he kept his dark hair short, there was no getting past his piercingly grey eyes.

"So," Brad grinned, patting me on the shoulder, "Hi, my name is Masterchief Brad Tarkington, and I'll bet you're the new guy that Dave has been telling us about. I hear you're a bad ass."

"My name is Mike Walker," I told him, "It's nice to meet you guys, and no, I'm not a bad ass. I think that maybe Dave talks too much."

"It sounds like he already knows Dave pretty well," said Johnny Lee "The Madman" Mason, "I'm Masterchief Johnny Lee Mason, and it's nice to meet you, kid."

"You, too," I grinned, "I'm really looking forward to working with you."

"It's not him you have to worry about," said Sam Mullins, sitting in a corner by himself, "You need to watch out for the Lone Ranger there...the guy who taught you in BUD/S. I only pray that his bad habits didn't rub off on you."

"We can step outside and talk about if you want to, Mason," Danny quickly barked, "Because you sure as hell don't know what you're taking about, asshole. What's it gonna be, dick?"

"Chill out, Danny," Mullins stood, and came to where we were standing, his hand extended in friendship, "I'm sorry, bro I was trying to get a rise out of you and I meant no disrespect...come on, man, lighten up, Danny."

"As long as that's the last of it," Danny cautiously replied, shaking his hand, "Other wise, I'm going to have to sick Mike here on you. You'll think you were in a fucking category five hurricane when he's finished with you."

"That's enough," Dave finally said, as two men dressed in suits walked into the room, "These gentlemen are going to brief us on our up and coming operation, and I want each and every one of you to listen to what they have to say."

"These two are C.I.A. if I ever saw them," Brad quietly snorted, "It's not hard to tell...they all wear the same shitty haircut," which of course elicited a snicker from me, and a glare from Dave, who stood across the room from the rest of us.

"Alright, guys," Dave said, bringing everyone to order, "These men are here to give us an assignment of epic proportion. Please let me introduce Mister Gaines, and Mister McCauley. I want you to take your cues from them until this operation is..."

~~~~~~

After the briefing was over and Dave had given us our orders for the next day, I went off base to a nice Italian Restaurant that I'd found over across the bridge in San Diego, and was headed to the parking lot to my jeep when Danny stopped me.

"Hey, sport," he grinned, "What're you gonna do?"

"I'm going into San Diego to get a bite to eat," I told him, "You wanna come with me?"

"Sure, why not?" he chuckled, "I could use something good to eat for a change anyway."

~~~~~~

Twenty minutes later Danny and I had been seated at our table in a place called, "Mingo's Italian Restaurant", and the moment we'd entered the place, the aromas wafting through the air made your stomach growl within the first second you walked through the front door.

Out hostess's name was Angela, and she was very pretty with a long dark, full, rich mane that flowed down past her shoulders, stopping at just above her waist; and when she spoke to you, I found myself becoming lost in the dark sea of dark brown, never wanting to return.

"Damn," I quietly said, as I watched her walk away, "She sure is a beauty, isn't she?"

"Yeah, she is," Danny heartily agreed, "But you'd better watch out for those Italian women, L.B.; they have some really mean tempers."

"Is that right?" I knowingly grinned, "And you would know this how?"

"Because I went to Catholic school," he told me, "I fell in love with a girl named Gina Tomolinni. God, she was so beautiful, too. But I pissed her off and when she went off on me, I felt like God was raining his wrath down on me." 

"You don't say," I grinned, trying desperately not to laugh, "And what, pray tell, did you do to make her mad?"

"It was all a big misunderstanding, really," he backpedaled, and then hanging his head, he looked at me and shamefully admitted, "I didn't know that the girl I was dating across town was her cousin." Of course I laughed for a moment until I remembered something I was going to talk to him about.

"I don't mean to change the subject, but I need to ask you something," I told him, "And if you truly respect me, then you'll tell me the truth about this."

"I already know what you want to talk about, he said, "It's about why I was taken off the active duty roster, isn't it?"

"Yes," I plainly said, "What happened, Danny?"

"It started about a year before you got here," he began, "I went out on an operation with the same Team that you're on with the exception of another guy. His name was Rick Mathers, and like you, he was a Corpsman. Anyway, to make a long story short, we we'd gone back into the Nam on a hostage extraction, because a French newspaper reporter had been captured and the president sent us in to get her out...

"...We HALO'd in right before sunset, and not too long after we'd landed we made immediate contact with the enemy. There were only four men, but apparently they'd gotten a radio message off before we killed them, because it not more than twenty seconds later, we heard the sound of two captured American UH-1 Huey Helicopters moving in from our six o'clock."




A Promise Kept Ch. 03



Thank you for all the praise you gave me on the first two chapters of this tale. It feels really good to be home again after being gone for so long. I have another story that I will submit after I'm finished with this last and final chapter. It is something that I wrote while I was out on this last book tour. I hope you like this one though. Last but most certainly not least, I wish all of God's blessings on each and every one of you; and thank you,

MoogPlayer

P.S. Please keep in mind that all characters mentioned in this story are all PURELY and TOTALLY FICTIONAL characters, as are the events that happened in the story as well...oh, and don't forget to vote.

~~~~~~

Chapter One

"...she's been in a real bad car accident."

"So; how is she? Is she..." I stuttered, "Is she dead?"

"I'm really sorry, Mike, but she didn't make it," Dave sadly replied, "Is there anything we can do for you?"

"Where's her body," I sniffled, the pain in my heart literally killing me, my two friends standing beside to hold me up if needs be, "Will you take me to her?"

~~~~~~

"I'm sorry for your loss, sir," the coroner quietly said, after I'd identified Jill's lifeless body, laying on that cold slab, "Is there a particular funeral home that you'd like for me to contact for you?"

"No," I quietly told him, "I'll take care of it, thank you."

~~~~~~

I waited until after I'd spoken to Jill's parents over the telephone and informed them of her death, before I broke down and fell into the middle of the floor, crying like I'd never done before. Of course the Navy gave me ten days of emergency leave to attend to everything I needed to take care of.

Because she was born and raised in Culver City, California, that's where her funeral was held. It was very painful for me, but I was grateful to see all of my team mates there, as well as Admiral and Mrs. White. I'd never before experienced the outpouring of love that I was shown that day, not only by Jill's parents, but also my team mates, too. Every man that was there in uniform all wore Navy SEAL Tridents on their chest, letting me know that they were there to stand behind me in my time of need, leaving me feeling deeply touched, and very moved by their actions...

~~~~~~

My days were spent on base, training, even though we were all on stand down. We still wanted to be in shape, because every SEAL is taught from day one, that the more you sweat in Peacetime, the less you bleed during War. At night I dreamed of Jill though, and every morning I would wake up to her being gone, the pain of her loss only more deeply engraving itself into my heart, while carelessly ripping out my soul.

For me, I was placed on stand down until The Navy told me otherwise, and as I'd said earlier, it was because I wasn't focused enough at that time to remain on the active list...and rightly so. My fiancée had just been killed, and the Navy thought I needed more than just ninety days to clear my head.

It was a good thing in the long run, because when the rest of my team heard about it, they all asked, Dave included, to be taken off of the active list themselves, for the simple reason of not only wanting to know about me, but also hoping to be able to be there for me, should something bad happen. However, the officers above me were a lot more lenient back then than they are now, and my team's request was placed in the hands of Admiral White, which meant that it was almost immediately approved.

~~~~~~

That afternoon after work, I headed straight to the bar. I don't know why I went there, I just did, and the moment I sat down, a cocktail glass, full of Jim Beam bourbon on the rocks, was placed in front of me.

"Hey, you," Danny smiled, taking the seat next me at the bar, "What're you doing in here?"

"What does it look like I'm doing?" I snarled, "I'm having a drink. Do you want one?"

"Why not," Danny smiled, reaching over and patting me on the shoulder, "How're ya holding up, L.B.?"

"I just lost my fiancée," I sadly replied, "How do you think I'm doing?"

"I know, brother," he quietly replied, "You know you really ought to be home instead of here, don't you?"

"And what am I supposed to be doing at home," I sniffled, "Staring at all the reminders that my Jill is dead?" as the tears began to fall down my face.

"Aw, what's wrong, sweetie," some long haired asshole across the bar from me viciously laughed, "Did you lose your boyfriend, Squidly?"

"Uh, oh," Danny quietly mumbled.

"What did you say to me," I angrily growled at the guy, "How would you like me to rearrange your face, fuck head?"

"Well, come on then," he laughed, dropping his pool stick, as he approached me from the other side of the bar, "The law requires me to tell you that I hold a brown belt in Tae Kwon Do, squid face."

"Is that so?" I laughed, "Well then, you'd better give your soul to Jesus, because your ass belongs to me."

The moment he lifted his foot off of the floor to kick me, I grabbed him by the balls and by the hair, and then as politely as you please, I threw him through the big plate glass window next to the front door; where he landed in the parking lot, on his back and gasping for air.

"Jesus, Mike," Danny gasped, "You could've killed that man."

"Oh really," I evilly laughed, "Well hang on to your hat, because I'm not finished yet."

"Oh, yes you are," Danny said, standing up, and then the next thing I knew, I felt a hard blow to the back of my head as the lights went out.

~~~~~~

When I opened my eyes again, I was at home on my couch, looking at Danny sitting in the chair across from me, while Dave sat in the other chair, both of them wearing stupid grins on their faces.

"What the hell happened," I groggily asked, rubbing the back of my skull, "And why does my head hurt?"

"Because," Danny spat, "You were about to lay waste to an unarmed civilian so; I knocked your ass out before you did any real damage."

"And we all know that you could've been court marshaled, "Dave added, "What the hell is the matter with you, huh? I had to pay the bar owner five hundred bucks to not only pay for the window, that was four hundred dollars, I had to give him another hundred so that he wouldn't press charges on you."

"I'm sorry you guys," I sat, sitting up on the couch, as my eyes again began to fill with tears, "I'm just..."

"A little messed up in the head right now, we know, little brother," Dave smiled, "I think that a little time off is just what the doctor ordered."

"I don't want any time off," I told him, "That means that I'm just going to sit around feeling sorry for myself and I don't want to do that; because Jill wouldn't have liked it."

"She sure as hell wouldn't have liked the little display you put on back at the bar either," Danny replied, "And you and I both know it, L.B."

"I know," I sniffled, "I don't know what's wrong with me, fellas, I'm sorry."

"You just lost your fiancée, brother," Dave said, "It's quite understandable really."

"I guess," I said, "So, what's next...I mean, where do I go from here?"

"I've got something for you, L.B.," he knowingly smiled, "You and Danny are going to Proctor the up coming BUD/S class that convenes in two days."

"What about the rest of the team?" I asked, "What're they going to do?"

"Nobody wants to operate without you, L.B." Dave smiled, "That's why we've all asked to be put on stand down until you're well enough to be an operator again."

"Come on, Dave," I chuckled, "That's not very fair to the rest of the men. They shouldn't have to pay for my shortcomings, skipper."

"Who said anything about paying for your shortcomings, or for that matter, what shortcomings are you talking about? None of this was your fault in any way, shape, or form," Danny compassionately replied, "We're doing this because we care...Do you hear me? We care about you, and everything that happens to you."

"Besides," Dave chuckled, "If you're going to be an instructor, then you're also going to need the rank to go with it...okay, Masterchief?"

~~~~~~

TWO DAYS LATER

At 0700 hours that morning, Danny and I stood together on the podium at the quad at BUD/S, while Danny gave the speech, I remained silent, listening, learning and following his lead.

"Good morning, gentlemen," he began, introducing himself to the SEAL candidates/students of Class 109, as their Class Proctor for the first time, "Welcome to BUD/S. My name is Lieutenant Reed, and you are about to go through the toughest training in the world. Some of you will make it, however, most of you won't. This type of training is not for everyone so; there is no shame in dropping out. According to my roster, there are ninety-four of you; and I estimate that well over ninety percent of you will ring my bell three times (called ringing out) before graduation day, twenty-nine weeks from now...

...In order for you to be able to wear the SEAL Trident, you're going to have to make it through not only me, but also Masterchief Walker standing here next to me, and I assure you, gentlemen, it won't be an easy task. To make sure that you all start off on the right foot, there are two things that need to stay present in your minds. Number one, there are no individuals in a team, nor is there a letter "I" in the word team; and last but certainly not least, the only easy day here, was yesterday. Are we clear on this?

"YES, SIR," the students yelled.

"Alright then," I said, "Let's start the morning off with a nice ten mile run to stretch our legs, gentlemen," I said, "Shall we?"

"HOO-YAH," the students yelled, and then followed me to the surf.

~~~~~~

"Before we begin our run," I said, "I want everyone of you to hit the surf, NOW," and the moment I went silent, ninety-four men scrambled into the ocean, getting wet from head to toe, and then I had them roll around in the sand, making sure that each and very man was covered, head to foot, in sand. After that, I made them go back into their barracks and change into dry uniforms, making them repeat the same exercise be they'd just done. And after ordering them to do it enough times, I was sure that every uniform they owned was soaking wet...

~~~~~~

"Ready, begin," I commanded, and the entire class took of running beside Danny and I who were keeping pace. We ran a total of five miles up the beach, in tidal surge water, before turning around and running the five miles back to the SEAL quarterdeck. As I ran, I remembered running down this same stretch of beach, only I was wearing an eighty pound dive pack, hence the reason the run seemed like nothing after that.

~~~~~~

After we finished our run, we moved the students to the obstacle course to begin their training. Hell, the run on the beach was just something that we did every morning to get the heart up and pumping. Still though, I was excited to be teaching these men what I was taught, but I wasn't going to be easy on them one bit, because the more you sweat during peace time, the less you bleed during war.

"And just in case you're wondering," Danny told the class, "Masterchief Walker holds the record for the obstacle course; and he invites all of you to try and break it."

~~~~~~

As I said before, there were ninety four men that started this class, and now knowing Danny as well as I did, he wasn't going to end the class until at least one person rang out. However, after the second time through the obstacle course, one person rang out, bringing the class ranks down to ninety-three people.

"Damn...and it's not even noon yet," Danny laughed, "I've got a feeling that this particular class is going to be one of the smaller ones, come graduation day."

"I don't know," I chuckled, watching these guys going over the same "Obstacle Course" that I had to go over, and I knew, from having experienced it firsthand, that it sure as hell wasn't child's play, that much was certain, "I think there might be two, maybe three frogs in the bunch, what do you think?"

"I'm not real sure yet," he quietly told me, "I think there might be at least four, or maybe even five...we'll just have to wait until after hell week is over; and then we'll know."

By the end of the day we'd lost four people, narrowing BUD/S Class 109 down to ninety people, or, fifteen boat crews, each crew consisting of six men. And like my own BUD/S class, we started off with a hundred and twenty seven people, yet only sixteen of us graduated. That ought to at least tell you something about how difficult the training is, huh?

~~~~~~

I was alright while I was at work during the day and had something to take my mind off of everything; but it was when I went home that things became difficult for me, and that night was starting off just as the previous nights which had passed since my Jill had been gone. However, I hadn't been home for very long, and had just finished changing my clothes when I heard a knock at the front door.

"COME IN," I shouted, at whoever was on the other side, "IT'S OPEN!"

I watched the front door open, and in walked none other than Dave, followed by Fleet Admiral Richard T. Jameson, who, in his own right, was very important in the chain of command there in the San Diego area. In other words he was the Admiral in charge of the whole Seventh Fleet, well, back then anyway. I was wondering why Dave brought him to my house by this time.

"Mike, this is a friend of mine, Admiral Richard Jameson," Dave smiled, as he introduced us, "Rick, this is another very good friend and fellow team mate of mine, Masterchief Mike Walker."

"Welcome Admiral," I nervously smiled, "It's nice to meet you, sir."

"It's nice to meet you, too, Mike," he smiled, as, at my behest, he and Dave both took seats on the couch, "And please, I want you to call me Rick when we're not on duty."

"I'll bet you're wondering what in the hell I'm doing by bringing the Admiral of the Seventh Fleet over here," Dave laughed, "Aren't you, L.B.?"

"Well, to start with, I never know who you're going to bring over here, Dave," I teased, "But yes, I guess you could probably say that I'm at least a little curious," and then I laughed again.

"I heard about what happened to your fiancé, Mike," Rick kindheartedly told me, "I wanted to tell you how sorry I am that it happened, and if there's anything I can do to help you, please don't hesitate to ask, okay?"

"Thank you, Rick," I appreciatively said, "That means a lot to me to hear you say that, it really does, sir."

"I've heard a lot of really interesting things about you," Rick smiled, "And those things that I heard about you were all very good."

"Is that right?" I grinned, "Well if you heard from Dave here, then you be fairly sure that it's all bullshit," which elicited a hearty laugh from the three of us.

~~~~~~

After I made sure that both Rick and Dave had some coffee, which had just started brewing when they first arrived, Dave was the one who spoke first.

"Rick just lost his wife three and a half months ago," Dave quietly said to me, and then he looked at Rick and told him, "Mike lost his fiancé a little less than two weeks ago," and then Dave looked at Rick and I both and said, "And I think it might be a good idea for you two to talk to one another, and see how much you two just might actually have in common..."

~~~~~~

The three of us sat and talked, well, Rick and I talked to each other, that is, while Dave sat with us and simply listened, a content smile on his face. And after a couple of hours passed, I began to have better feelings about Jill's death, in that there was nothing that I could've done to prevent it. However, I don't think I could ever go through the pain of having to identify her lifeless body, though. From looking at her body, it was apparent that she'd been killed in a car accident, hence the reason she looked all swollen and bruised. She'd been cleaned up before I was brought in to see her, and I can't begin to talk about how grateful I was to whoever cleaned my precious Jill's body.

Her parents desperately asked, almost begged me to let them bury her in their family's cemetery, which, of course I had no problem whatsoever with. It was bad enough that we lost her at such a young age, but I felt that it would be so very hard on Jill's folks to have to make such a long drive from a small town that was about thirty miles north of the bay area, all the way down south to San Diego to visit their daughter's grave Besides, all of her close friends and family were there, too, hence the reason I had no problem with Jill's parents' request.

I also gave Jill's mother and father not only her engagement and weeding rings, but also the opportunity to go through our house and take anything they wanted, whatever it might be, which also helped me make another big decision in my life...

~~~~~~

While I certainly enjoyed living in what was once mine and Jill's home off base, I knew without a doubt that because it was just me living there now; I wasn't going to need anywhere near the space.

Not counting Jill, God love her, there were a couple of things that I was going to miss about living there; and those were having grounds keepers, as well as a swimming pool. Still though, it's a very well known fact that you can't have your cake and eat it, too.

~~~~~~

After finding a smaller place, actually it was a garage apartment, which was owned by a sixty-two year old widow, named Ms. Glenda Patrick, the widow of Naval Captain, also SEAL Team Three's Commanding Officer, the late Gary Patrick. Ms. Patrick, or just plain Glenda, as she insisted that we all addressed her as, was a very sweet lady. When I entered her house for the first time, I saw a couple of headshots of Glenda, all of which had been taken of her when she was young, and...all of which were hanging on the walls of her living room. I had to admit that she was very beautiful in those pictures; which even now, that same beauty stayed with her in her later years.

"So, tell me, Michael," she gently, but demurely smiled, "Do you recognize the girl in those pictures?"

"I most certainly do," I tenderly replied, gently grazing her pretty cheek with the back of my right hand, "And that same girl in those same pictures grew up to be one of the most beautiful women that I've ever seen, Glenda."

"You sweet, sweet boy," she girlishly, yet sweetly grinned, "One of these days you're going to make some lucky girl the perfect husband."

"Maybe," I nervously laughed, "I don't know about all of that; at least not right yet, anyway."

"And what on earth would make you think such dreadful things?" she politely asked.

It was then that, with the exception of the operations my team had gone on; I chose to tell Glenda about Jill, as well as everything that had taken place from the moment I first met her, until the moment God called her home,

And when I was finished she was wiping her eyes with a piece of tissue, sniffling and telling me, "Oh, my God, Michael honey. I don't see how you're even functioning right now, I really don't. If you need anything, I don't care what it is, I want you to call me, regardless of what time of the day or night it is; okay?"

"Thank you, Glenda," Dave humbly replied, "I can't find the words that even begin to describe how much it means to us, Mike's closest friends, to know that he's going to be looked after when we're not around."

"Are you kidding me?" Glenda very gently replied, "I'd do the same for any of the rest of you, you know that."

"Hoo-Yah," Dave chuckled, "Thanks, Glenda. I knew that we could count on you."




A Promise Kept Ch. 03



"Of course you can, silly boy,' she lightly giggled "You guys will always be able to count on me...always..."

~~~~~~

THAT NIGHT

The first night I spent in the new apartment began the first of many sleepless nights, and those were also the nights that marked the beginning of a change in me...a change in the way I began to feel about the kind of work I was doing for the Navy, a change in the way I began to feel towards people I didn't know and therefore didn't trust, and last but certainly not least...it also began to change the way I felt about the government that I thought I loved and trusted.

A few moments earlier I'd mentioned that I had been experiencing, "sleepless nights", as I called them. Well, they were the exact opposite; in fact...During those nights what really began to occur was a series of bad dreams. They were true thoughts, and not just imaginings of the not so distant past, interrupting what little sleep I could get back then, invading my consciousness like a deadly virus with no antidote.

Granted, I was still on "Stand Down" at work, but I was able to function normally, well, as normal as could be after having been made to say goodbye to the one person that made a difference in my life. The Government fucked up by not taking the time to examine my personal life. If they had, what happened next would've never taken place to begin with, and therefore, a lot of really good people would still be alive; and we would never be having a conversation about this, much less reading a story about it...

~~~~~~

Chapter Two

THE PRESENT

"Michael, "I think that maybe you should go home and get some rest. You look beat, son," Mr. John kindly smiled, patting my shoulder, "Besides, it's past eleven o'clock at night, and I think we could all take a break and take up where we left off tomorrow. What about you?"

"Of course," I yawned, "We can do this however you'd like, Mister John, Ms. Etienne."

"You go home tonight, chere," Ms. Etienne gently smiled, her palm on my cheek, "Get some sleep, and we see each other tomorrow, okay?"

"That sounds good to us, too, ya'll," Jayne softly replied, taking both Kara's and my hands into her own as she stood, "We'll see you guys tomorrow then..."

~~~~~~

After all of the good-byes had been said for the evening, Kara got into the front seat of the car with me, while Jayne rode in the back, all of us glad to be going home for the evening.

"Gosh, Michael," Kara began to sniffle, "I'm so sorry that you had to go through all of the stuff you talked about by yourself."

"I heard that," Jayne softly said, from the back seat, suddenly leaning up and placing her arms around me from behind, "I'm just glad that you're alive...Kara and I love you very much."

"Mmm," Kara purred, smiling as she gently grabbed hold of one hand, while leaving me to drive with the other, "We sure do, baby...we love you very much."

"I know you do, and I love you two very much as well...you more than anyone or anything, Kara," I cautiously, but honestly informed them, as I tenderly squeezed her hand "But you've heard barely anything...and you're liable to totally change your mind about me once you've heard everything I've got to say."

~~~~~~

Nothing much was said on the way home, but there was a definite spark in Kara's big, dark brown eyes, which, draw me to her like a moth to a flame. I can't help it, that's just the way it is. Kara could tell from day one, but as God as my witness, she's never once tried to use what she knew was my weakness, to manipulate me in any way, not even the first time; and that's why I'm still in love with her today, but I'm getting ahead of myself again...sorry.

~~~~~~

When we got home that night, Jayne quickly came up to us and hugged us both, giving each of us a sweet, tender kiss on each of our cheeks as she did so, and then she headed straight to bed, wearing a content smile on her pretty little face...

~~~~

"I love her so much," Kara softly sighed, gently leaning into my chest, while I instinctively wrapped my arms around her, "But not nearly as much as I love you, Michael."

"I love you, too," I gently replied, "But I need you to sit down with me for a minute, baby, because there's something I need to ask you."

"Of course," she replied, leading me to the couch where we both took a seat, "You know that you can ask me anything you want to, my love."

"I need to know something, Kara, and I need for you to tell me the truth," I began, "Doe hearing about the time I spent with Jill bother you? Because if it does, I can..."

"Shut up, Michael," she giggled, while interrupting me, "No, it doesn't bother me one bit, because I'm the one that you're with. And I'm the girl that you sleep next to every night; and while I hated to hear about it, Jill has been dead for a long time now. Deep down in my heart, I know that you've somehow made peace with it, or you wouldn't be in a relationship with me. If I've learned anything about being with you, I know that I'm right about that, too."

"You're a very, very wise woman," I smiled, my heart overflowing with love for her, "And I love you very, very much."

"I know you do," she softly replied, kissing my lips, "And I love you, too."

~~~~~~

The next morning after breakfast, Jayne called her Uncle John to let him know that we would be there as soon as everyone was ready. Of course, being the nice guy that he is, he told her that we should simply take our time and not get into any kind of rush,,,

~~~~~~

THE REED RESIDENCE

"Good morning, Mike," John smiled, shaking my hand as he met me at his front door, "I thought I told Miss Jayne to tell you guys to take your time about coming over here."

"I wanted to finish telling you everything," I smiled, "Besides, I didn't even get to talk much about Danny yesterday..."

~~~~~~

APRIL 7, 1979

This particular day happened to be my nineteenth birthday, and besides it being on a Saturday, which meant that it was my day off, I awoke to the sound of someone, Danny, pounding on my front door yelling, "Get your lazy ass out of bed, L. B. You don't want to sleep your birthday away, do you?"

~~~~~~

"Would you two like to tell me why you're waking me up at this hour of the morning?" I grumbled, as the three of us sat at my table drinking coffee, "And on my day off, too?"

"Oh, quit whining," Danny laughed, "Me and Sam are going SCUBA diving and we thought you might want to go with us."

"Is that right?" I asked, my interest piqued, "And where are we going to dive?"

"I thought maybe we could go diving off of Catalina Island," Danny knowingly grinned, "I figured that since there are no classes today, then we could get at least two daylight dives, and then maybe do a night dive later on this evening. What do you think?"

"I think you fuckers are nuts," I told them, "Besides, I feel like sleeping in today...yawn...so, gimme a break, okay fellas?"

"Alright then," Danny said, winking at Sam, "COME AND GET HIM," and then my door suddenly flew open, followed by the rest of my SEAL team, Dave included, flooding into the living room of my apartment."

"Get up, Doc," Brad grinned, "We're going surfing in Malibu today."

"That's right, Mike," Dave grinned, "And like it, or not; you're coming with us."

"Your surfboard is in my jeep, Danny grinned, "So, come on get your slow ass ready..."

~~~~~~

MALIBU BEACH

MALIBU CALIFORNIA

"After traveling up the coast for a good three and a half hours, we pulled into a parking area near the pier, not realizing the fun I was about to have. The death of my beautiful Jill hung heavily around my heart like the albatross around the neck of the Ancient Mariner.

Still though, after this particular day, I knew that what was about to happen was Jill's way of looking out for my sanity. We hadn't been there for more than twenty minutes, and I had just finished waxing my board. I was about to put my wetsuit when I heard something coming from the surf.

"PLEASE...HELP ME..."rang from out of the waves behind me. I took off at a dead run, diving into the Pacific water when it became too deep to run in, and swam to where the last sound came from.

I don't know, well, actually I do know what happened, when all of a sudden; I felt a body bumping into me from beneath the water's surface. I immediately dove straight down until I felt what I thought was an arm. After opening my eyes underwater, I saw that I had the arm of a young woman so, I pulled her to the surface, and then just like I was taught in lifesaving classes in high school; I paddled her to the shore...

~~~~~~

"Who is she, Mike?" Danny asked, as I attempted to resuscitate the woman, "Is she gonna be alright?"

All of a sudden the lady began to breathe, coughing and exhaling the sea water from her lungs. I waited until she seemed stable enough to communicate, and then lifting her up so the she could dry off with the towel I'd just handed her, I asked, "Are you alright, Miss?"

After wiping off her face, which happened to be absolutely beautiful, but also showing that she was clearly very young, she dried her blonde hair as she opened the prettiest pair of hazel blue eyes that I'd even seen on a girl. Taking a moment to look around, and then with a lovely British accent, she smiled and then sweetly asked, "Which one of you pulled me out of the water?"

"It was him," Danny excitedly smiled, pointing at me, "And his name is Michael Walker."

All of a sudden, and without any warning whatsoever, the pretty girl with blonde hair and hazel eyes gently turned, and after firmly wrapping her arms around me, she pulled me against her and gave me the softest kiss, only holding it for a couple of seconds before releasing me and telling me," Thank you, Michael Walker. My name is Natalie Wickham, and I owe you my life, sir."

"No, you don't," I humbly smiled, "I did what anyone else would've done, that's all."

"I don't know, L.B.'" Danny solemnly replied, "None of the rest of us even heard her."

"He's right, Mike," Sam agreed, "I didn't hear anything."

"Natalie Wickham," Dave repeated to himself, "Wait a minute, you wouldn't be Lady Natalie Wickham, daughter of the Duke and Dutchess of Essex, would you?"

"Yes...uh," she stuttered, "That would be me?"

"Holy shit," I said, "Where are your S.A.S. bodyguards?"

"Right there," she giggled, pointing to two men in the distance, running up the beach toward us, "I would imagine they're going to be a tad angry with me for giving them the slip."

"Surely not," I smiled, "We won't let them give you any grief, M'Lady."

"I appreciate the gesture," she smiled, "You can call me Natalie...please."

"Alright then," I grinned, as the two men neared us, "Natalie it is."

~~~~~~

"You gave us a heart attack, M'Lady," said the older one of the two bodyguards, winded, "How many times have we asked you to let us know before you go running off like that?"

"I didn't go running off, as you put it, Captain Leighton," she venomously replied, "It was the tide; and then I..."

"Come on, M'Lady," whined the other bodyguard, "Please don't make us call..."

"The lady almost drowned," I interrupted, "I'm glad that we were here, or you might've lost her. Then who would you call?"

"This man saved my life," Natalie proudly smiled, "You two should be thankful he was here."

"Oh, so, I suppose you expect a reward now, eh, mate?" the younger of the two bodyguards laughed. Then he frowned as he hatefully said, "Well forget it...piss off, Yank," as he tried to poke me in the chest with his finger, which I quickly turned into a thumb lock, swiftly pushing him away as I released him just as swiftly.

Suddenly I saw both bodyguards take a defensive posture. However, right before they reached for their weapons, Dave pulled out his Colt .45 pistol, and with a smile on his face, told them, "Gentlemen, please; while I highly respect you boys in the S.A.S., you're about to take on a whole team of U.S. Navy SEALs, and that's something I wouldn't advise that you even attempt. I have a more peaceful solution."

"Bloody hell, why didn't you say so," the older of the two bodyguards laughed, both of them relaxing their posture, "And what do you suggest, mate?"

"That's easy," Dave grinned, putting his weapon away, "My friend, Michael, here, would really like to escort the Lady back to wherever she needs to be...and you two can follow behind her if you wish. How does that sound?"

"That sounds brilliant to me," Natalie brightly smiled, looking at me, "Would you do me the honor of escorting me back to my hotel, kind and gentle sir?"

"Of course," I respectfully replied, extending my arm, "But the honor is all mine, I assure you, M'Lady."

"My goodness," she delightfully grinned, "And such a gentleman, too..."

~~~~~~

After we walked up to where our vehicles were parked, everyone else piled into Dave's truck, while Danny flipped me the keys to his Jeep smiling.

"Be careful," he grinned, "And be sure to get the lady back to her hotel in one piece," the rest of the guys laughed as they backed out of the parking lot.

I reached into the center compartment on Danny's jeep, and after withdrawing a sweatshirt with "SEAL Team 3" embossed in gold lettering across the left breast, I handed it to Natalie, and kindly told her, "Here, you might want to put this on so the wind won't freeze you to death before I can get you to your hotel."

"Thank you," she smiled, taking the towel off her head of beautiful blonde hair that fell right past her shoulders, "You wouldn't happen to have a spare cap I could borrow, would you?"

"Here," I smiled, handing her mine, "Take mine, it's a lot cleaner than anyone else's."

"Thank you," she smiled, putting her hair up and then placing the ball cap over the top of it, and then she got into the jeep, "I can't thank you enough for saving my life."

"You don't have to," I gently replied, "But you're welcome, just the same."

~~~~~~

I hadn't been driving down the freeway for very long when I saw a black Chevy Suburban with the windows blacked out following behind me. And taking notice of me watching it in my rearview mirror, Natalie smiled and said, "Don't worry, Michael, those are my bodyguards behind us. They're just doing their jobs."

"Okay," I grinned, "If you say so."

"Relax," she sweetly smiled, turning in her seat to look at me as I drove, "So, tell me about Michael Walker. I want to know everything there is to know about you."

"There's not much to tell, really," I began, and then I told her where I was born, where I grew up, that sort of stuff. I hadn't told her anything about Jill, because I was sure that I would more than likely never see her again, but still, when I was finished talking, she was dreamily staring at me, her beautiful eyes flashing a hazel blue light.

"Oh, my goodness," she softly replied, "So if you're going to be twenty years old on your next birthday, then that means that you'll only be a little more than a year older than me, and that's perfect."

"Perfect," I asked, "Perfect for what?"

~~~~~~

I didn't realize she was staying at the Beverly Wilshire hotel, but the drive was pleasant just the same, and it felt good to be able to make a new friend that day.

"We're here, M'Lady," I smiled, "It was nice meeting you, Natalie."

"It was wonderful meeting you, Michael," she softly breathed, leaning in and gently but quickly kissing my lips, "I'll see you again one day soon...I swear, and it will be when you least expect it, too. Good afternoon, my handsome Knight," and then she handed my cap back to me, and after a smile and a wink, she turned and walked away, leaving me to watch her beautiful butt as it swayed back and forth beneath her bikini bottom, her top covered by the sweatshirt...

~~~~~~

I drove the three hours it took me to get back to my apartment, and when I got there, Danny was waiting fro me on the front steps, with a beer in one hand and a stupid grin plastered across his face.

"Look at the smile on your face, L.B.," he teased, "It looks like you might've made a new friend so; how did it go?"

"How did what go?" I chuckled, "She's a nice girl. What do you want me to say?"

"A nice girl, my ass," Danny grinned, "She's English Royalty for God's sake."

"Relax, man," I assured him, "Today had the intended effect that you guys wanted it to have on me, okay?"

"I'm glad to hear that," he quietly said, taking a seat on one of the stools at the kitchen counter in my apartment, "All any of us wanted was for you to be better; I hope you understand that, L.B."

"Of course I do," I appreciatively smiled, placing my hand on his shoulder, "And don't think for a minute that I don't appreciate it, because I do. Hell, it lets me know that you guys give a shit about me."

"Yeah, we do," he laughed, "Besides; I still owe you an ass whipping."

"Whatever," I chuckled, "In your dreams, shit ball."

"Gimme my keys, Mister Starry Eyes," Danny laughed, taking his keys off of the counter where I'd set them, "I can't stand looking at that stupid grin any longer."

"Oh, one more thing," I told him, "You owe me twenty bucks for the gas I put in you bucket of bolts."

"Fuck off," he laughed, "Consider it a car rental fee."

"Cheapskate," I laughed...

~~~~~~

As I drove to work the following Monday, I was excited because of the fact that the class that Danny and I were teaching had just started Heel Week the previous night. It was six am and the whole class had been up and awake since one minute after midnight, the night before. I was really looking forward to teaching the things that I was taught when I went through BUD/S...

~~~~~~

"Good morning gentlemen," I said to the class, "Like you were told when you were awakened last night, Welcome to Hell Week. You have begun a New Evolution. For the next several days, we are going to assault every single one of your senses so; if you're weak, or not feeling well, now is the time to come ring my bell."

"Masterchief Tarkington," I asked, "Have we lost anyone yet?"

"No, Masterchief Walker, not yet" Brad conspiratorially smiled, "But it's only a matter of time."

"Good," I smiled, "Let's start the morning off with a ten mile run, shall we?"

"Hoo-Yah," Brad grinned, "Lead the way, Masterchief," and then we began our run.

~~~~~~

Halfway through the run, six people dropped, and began the walk back to the quarterdeck to "Ring Out". There is no shame in ringing out; BUD/S is not meant for everyone. Only a select few have what it takes to make it all the way through it, and the number of men in the class was now down to forty-two, making seven boat crews...

~~~~~~

During lunch, as Class Proctor, I took the time to talk to my fellow instructors while we ate away from the candidates.

"What do you think, Brad," I asked, "You think we've got any possibles in the group?"

"Yea, I think so," he told me, "I see about six, maybe seven possible Frogs in the group. The jury is still out on the rest of the class though."

"That's good," I said, "Any that get lucky and make it through Hell Week, will either get caught during dive phase, or they'll drop during tactical phase. What about you, Danny," I asked, "What do you think?"

"You know me, man," he grinned, "I don't make any judgment calls until after Hell Week."

"Alright the, guys," I grinned, "Let's finish eating, and then get back out there and motivate the men."

~~~~~~

"WHAT'RE YOU DOING SLEEPING, SIR?" Danny barked at one of the officers in the class, "YOU SHOULD BE MAKING SURE YOUR MEN ARE ALL ACCOUNTED FOR. HIT THE SURF...NOW!!!!!!" and the man ran into the water diving in, and staying in until he was given the order to hit the beach; and then he ran back to stand with the rest of his class.




A Promise Kept Ch. 03



~~~~~~

The rest of the afternoon was spent making the boat crews running their individual Zodiac boats up and down the beach, which, after four o'clock, and right before shift change, three more people dropped out, making the class number to thirty-nine.''

~~~~~~

That evening around six after Dave and Sam came in to relieved me and Brad from the twelve hour shift we'd just pulled, I decided to go directly from the base, across the bay to a small eatery in San Diego called, Bennie's Café over in the Mission Beach district. I didn't bother changing into my civilian clothes, because I was just ready to get out of there for a while. Besides, I promised Dave that I would be back bright and early in the morning to relieve him and Sam so; I wasn't planning on staying out too late.

~~~~~~

After I eaten my dinner, I sat afterwards with a cup of coffee and spoke to the owner of the restaurant, Bennie Tavares and his wife, Sondra. They're both very nice people who are still friends to this day, but back then, we'd just met. However, I always enjoyed talking to Bennie, as he's a Marine who did three tours in "The Nam" and therefore earned my respect immediately upon meeting him for the first time.

Plus, I saw them both at Jill's funeral, which showed me how much they truly thought of me. Not only is Bennie one of my best friends in the whole world, but I trust him with everything I own. Sondra used to tease me about being single, telling me that if I wasn't careful, one day a beautiful girl would come and steal my heart. Of course it finally happened the day I met Jill, but God had other plans for her that didn't include me. I'm not angry with God, because who am I to doubt his wisdom. Besides, Sondra also taught me that we would all see her again one day, and that was good enough for me.

~~~~~~

SIX WEEKS LATER

The BUD/S class I was proctoring was now in Dive Phase, meaning that the instruction was becoming more intensified and specialized as they progressed further into their training. And although I was slowly getting better, as well as being able to handle things easier, Jill's death still weighed heavily on my heart. My days seemed to drag on, one after the other, an endless progression of nightmares while I slept, and day dreams that haunted my every waking step. Still though, I hoped that it would one day come to and end.

However, little did I realize that there was a light on the not too distant horizon that would end up being my salvation? I just didn't see it coming...yet. It came in the shape of an invitation to an Embassy Dinner in Los Angeles. I didn't know where it came from, nor did I realize what lay in wait for me when I got there, until I saw not only the Royal Seal of England stamped on the inner the envelope the invitation came in, but primarily the hand-written note that fell out of with it.

It read:

My Dearest Michael,

I would be honored if you would be my escort to the Annual Diplomatic Dinner being held at the British Embassy in Los Angeles on the enclosed date. I really enjoyed meeting you the last time we saw one another, and I can't wait to see your handsome face again. So; please accept my invitation, Michael. I would really love it if you came and if you have any questions, call xxx-xxx-xxxx. I look forward to not only seeing you again, but also being with you as well, Michael.

Forever Yours,

HRH Lady Natalie Wickham

P.S. Be prepared to stay for the whole weekend, okay?

~~~~~~

I looked at the dates that she wrote and realized that she was talking about the up and coming weekend. Considering it was going to be a formal dinner, I made certain that I took my ceremonial Uniform with me, as well as polishing my dress Jump Boots to a high gloss, after which I began packing a bag. However, this was going to be my first Embassy Dinner and I was going to need a few pointers so, I called Dave.

~~~~~~

Chapter Three

DAVE'S HOUSE

"Hi, Michael," Dave Turner's wife, Stephanie, hugged me, as she greeted me at their front door, "How are you holding up these days, sweetie?"

"I'm doing better, Steph," I smiled, returning the hug, "Thanks for asking, pretty girl."

"You're welcome, baby boy," she sweetly replied, "Dave's in the kitchen pouring you guys some coffee. You've been here before so I don't need to tell you hoe to get there..."

~~~~~~

"Hey, L.B.," Dave grinned, handing me a fresh cup of coffee as soon as I walked into the kitchen, You said you needed my help with something over the phone so; what can I do for you?"

"I've got a problem," I said, showing him not only the invitation to the Embassy Dinner, but also the short note I received from Natalie as well, "I'm scared to death, Dave, and I don't know what to do."

"You accept the invitation and go," he encouraged me with a smile, "That's what you do, L.B."

"I know," I relented, leaning against the counter, "But I can't help but feel like I'm...I don't know...I feel like I'm cheating on Jill...defiling her memory, or something," and then I hung my head, as a lone tear silently ran down my face."

"Listen to me, Mike, and listen well, my friend," Dave suddenly said, getting in my face, "Everybody around here knows how much you love Jill, alright?"

"Of course," I said, "But I don't know if..."

"Jill would've wanted you to be happy Michael," Stephanie pointedly interrupted, suddenly coming from behind me, "Put yourself in her place. If you were gone, you wouldn't want her to mope around, not living, just existing, would you?"

"Of course not," I replied, "But this is different."

"No, Michael," Stephanie gently told me, hugging me, "It's no different...Go see this girl I've heard so many wonderful things about. You never know what might happen, if anything, you might just make a friend, and you know what they say, don't you, sweetie?"

"No, Steph," I grinned, "What do they say?"

"That a man can never have too many friends, sweetie," she giggled, hugging me again, "Now I want you to go to L.A. this weekend and go see that pretty English girl."

"Damn," I teased, "I don't guess I have a choice now, do I?"

"No," she smiled, "You don't, Michael."

~~~~~~

Because of the fact that Dave gave me a day off, I drove up to Los Angeles a day early. I scouted around for a hotel near the embassy. Granted, I didn't get a penthouse suite, but I did manage to secure a single suite for a fairly affordable price...well, for that area of town anyway.

My hotel was two blocks north of Wilshire Boulevard on Granville Avenue. The British Embassy was within walking distance, and once I got checked into my suite, I decided to, per Stephanie's orders, call Dave and let him know that I made it here okay, after which, I also took the time to think about everything that had happened to me recently.

I'd trained, performed, and was now teaching people to fight for those who can't fight for themselves for the better part of three years, and hadn't taken a leave to go home. Although I knew that my superiors thought very highly of me, I was not being allowed to operate with other teams on operation status. But then again, having dealt with things that I'd been dealing with as of late, made me realize that the Navy was right to do what they did; and it was not only for my safety that I was placed on stand down, but also the safety of my team. And that was the one factor that made it all bearable for me. I was beginning to come to terms with why my career was where it was at, and that it would be back to normal when I was back to normal, no matter how long it took...

~~~~~~

However, there had come a new and different type of distraction as of late. Here I was barely over four months out of a relationship that tragically ended for me, and I was already pursuing another female.

"Wait a minute, Mike," the voice inside my head said, "She invited you to come here. You didn't come looking for her, remember that."

"Maybe not," I thought, "But I was still scared shitless none the less."

~~~~~~

I'd just come in from having dinner downstairs in the restaurant of the hotel I was staying in when I heard my phone ring, making me figure that it was one of my friends calling to bust my chops.

"Hello," I grinned, "This is Mike."

"Hello, Michael; how is my handsome Knight in shining Armor?" asked a beautifully familiar female voice with a lovely British accent.

"Hello Natalie," I warmly smiled, "I won't even begin to ask how you found me."

"I hope you're not angry with me, Michael," she softly replied, "I simply had to see you. Can I come to you?"

"Sure," I chuckled, "I would imagine that you know exactly where I am, too."

"I certainly do, but I didn't use any of my own resources for that one," she teased, "A lovely lady named Stephanie Turner told me to tell you hello."

"How long will it be before you get here?" I laughed

"About two minutes," Natalie giggled, "I'm right downstairs on the house phone, see you in a few minutes," and then she hung up.

~~~~~~

"Hello, handsome," Natalie sweetly said, hugging me as she greeted me, "I'm so happy to see you, Michael."

"I was pleasantly surprised by the invitation to the Embassy Dinner," I smiled, pulling her into my site, closing the door as I led her in to sit down, "This will be the first time I've ever worn my ceremonial dress uniform."

"That's wonderful news," she widely grinned, "Thank you, Michael; I was hoping you would wear your uniform, and I can't wait to see you in it. In the mean time, I thought that perhaps we could sit together and talk for a while...I'd really like to know more about you."

It was then that I decided to be totally honest with her about Jill's death, and where my feelings were about it. I have to say, Natalie was as beautiful a girl as I'd ever seen, hence the reason I wanted to be honest with her about everything, and then see where things went from there.

"Before we go any further, there's something that you need to know about me," I said, gently kissing the top of her beautiful right hand, "About four months ago I lost someone that I loved very much in a car accident."

"I'm very sorry, Michael," Natalie softly replied, gently pulling me into her arms, "I'm quite certain that it still hurts you, doesn't it?"

"Yeah," I truthfully replied, "And I don't think it would be fair to you if I didn't tell you this."

"I knew I was right about you," she began to excitedly laugh, "When I told my mother about the beautiful American service man that saved my life, she said that all American men, especially American service men are a bunch of oversexed dogs."

"Is that right?" I laughed, "And how would she know that?"

"It does make one wonder doesn't it?" Natalie giggled, ten softly said. "I told my mother that you were nothing like that, and I also told her that from the very first moment I opened my eyes after you pulled me from the water, that I knew that you were very special, Michael...very, very special," as she gently rubbed her palm against my cheek, staring deeply into my eyes.

I don't know when or how it happened, but one minute Natalie and I were looking into one another's eyes, and the next thing I knew, we had our arms tightly around each other, our lips gently sealed together, as our tongues softly caressed each other in a dance that was older than time itself.

"Oh, Michael," Natalie breathed, urgently pulling herself against me, "I want you to do something for me, regardless of how insane I know it sounds. Can you do it?"

"I'll try," I softly replied, now wanting her so badly I'd have done anything, "What is it?"

"I asked you in the letter I sent to be prepared to stay all weekend," she began, her eye starting to fill with tears, "I found out that my mother has plans on trying to press me into marrying someone that is not of my choosing."

"That's easy," I told her, kissing her neck and making her smile and moan, "Just don't marry him...marry who you want to."

"It's not that easy among the aristoc...among the people in my family," she quietly said.

"You can go ahead and say aristocracy, my dear," I quickly let her know, "I also know that my kind is most certainly not accepted among your kind so; what is it that you want with me, Natalie?"

"I want to be seen with you," she smiled, "You're the most handsome man I've ever met and I want to be with you, regardless of how short a time it is."

"Natalie, sweetie, that's awfully nice," I told her, smiling at the idea of such a thing, "But what good will it serve?"

"Can I be completely honest with you, Michael," she meekly asked, "And not hurt your feelings?"

"Let me guess," I grinned, "You're going to use me to make someone else jealous, right?"

"There was a time when I would do something like that," she smiled, and then she stood there and just simply looked at me sweetly and told me, "Seriously though, Michael, I really just want to spend some time with you. I go back to England on Tuesday. Today is Thursday, and I was hoping that between now and then, you could show me what it's like to be with a really handsome man, whose kind, gentle, and caring. Please say that you'll do this for me, please?"

"Alright, I'll do it," I chuckled, "But the food at the Embassy Dinner had better be at least somewhat tasty," and then we both laughed..."

~~~~~~

That night Natalie and I went to a place called "The Mint" where we sat and listened to different musicians get up and play their original songs. Some were good, some were not so good, and then some were absolutely terrific. Still though, the two of us sat in the back cuddled together at a small table enjoying the music, the drinks, but most of all, the company of each other.

~~~~~~

When I took Natalie back to her hotel, she turned to look at me right before she got out of my car, and with a pretty smile across her beautiful face, she told me, "I'll come in a limousine to pick you up tomorrow night at Seven o'clock so; don't be late, you handsome thing," and then she leaned over and softly kissed my lips, sweetly grinning from ear-to-ear right before exiting the car and going into her hotel.

~~~~~~

I called Danny bright and early the next morning to talk to him about what I was about to do that night with Natalie, as well as how I was feeling about it.

"Who said anything about getting involved with her?" Danny asked me, "It sounds to me like this girl really likes you and just wants to have a good time, L.B., and you could damn sure use a dose of that."

"But I don't understand," I told him, "What if she wants to have sex? You know how I am about that kind of thing."

"So, what?" he laughed, "You're a good guy, Mike, and have you ever considered the fact that maybe that just might be the reason that she's so attracted to you. Girls are real smart when it comes to that sort of thing. It's kinda like they have a sixth sense or something, and they can tell how us guys are."

"I know that this one is smart," I proudly grinned, "She's very smart..."

"Yeah," Danny laughed, "And you like her, too. Don't you?"

"Yeah," I chuckled, "I guess so."

"You guess so?" he teased, "I known so. Go have a good time tonight, okay, L.B.," and then he hung the phone up before I had the chance to reply..."

~~~~~~

Because it was still early and there was hardly any traffic, I went downstairs and ran a total of eight miles that morning in order to clear my head. A good run always gave me the opportunity to think, and I used the time for just that on that particular morning.

I thought about all I'd been through up to this point in my life, the operations I'd been on, losing Jill like I had, but most of all I though about meeting Natalie, and how refreshing it was for me just being around her.

She was very beautiful, standing five feet, ten inches tall, the top of her head coming to my chin when we stood face to face. She had long, shoulder length blonde hair, and the most beautiful hazel blue eyes I'd ever seen. Her measurement fit her height, and like I've already said more than once, her British accent, in my eyes, made her even more beautiful than she already was.

She was still young and not yet tainted by the world, and/or its politics, hence the reason she seem so innocent and naïve when I first met her. However, little did I realize that naïve was not in her vocabulary? But read on, and you'll see what I'm talking about.

~~~~~~

After I got back from my run that morning, I took a shower, put on some clean clothes, and then went down to the restaurant there in the hotel and ate some breakfast. Normally I'm a bacon and eggs kind of guy, but I remember eating French toast that morning, the likes of which tasted so good that I simply had to come back for more every morning I stayed at that hotel.

~~~~~~

I waited until it was time, and then after taking another shower and then making sure that every aspect of my uniform was correct; I put it on for the first time. Of course Danny and Dave made sure that I knew how it was fitted before I ever left Coronado, and that was just another one of the many ways that those guys kept me from looking like an idiot, hence the reason that I loved them so much...

And when the limousine pulled up to the front steps of my hotel, I came down the stairs watching the late evening sun reflecting off of the bright shiny gloss of my dress jump boots.

The driver opened the rear door, and seated within the back, was Natalie...beautiful Natalie, dressed and looking as though she'd stepped in directly from Camelot. My God, she was stunning, and because of the fact that she was royalty, she wore the Tiara as a sign of statehood.

"Wow," I widely smiled, getting into the limousine, "You look absolutely breathtaking M'Lady."

"Why thank you, kind sir," she sweetly yet very tenderly smiled, "And please, allow me to be the first girl this evening to tell you how absolutely dashing you look in your uniform."

"I appreciate such a nice compliment," I softly replied, gently kissing her hand, "Especially when it's coming from such a beautiful lady..."

~~~~~~

"I'm really excited to be here," I told Natalie, as we left the limo and walked hand-in-hand toward the front of the Embassy, "So; let me say thank you now for inviting me to be your escort."

"You're such a lovely man, Michael," she sweetly grinned, "Thank you for coming, you darling lad..."

~~~~~~

"Lady Natalie Wickham of Essex, and Masterchief Michael Walker, United States Navy," the crier announced, as we enter the Embassy for the first time; and of course we were immediately met by Natalie's mother and father, The Duke and Duchess of Essex, His Lordship, Sir Tom and Lady Sarah Wickham.

"So, tell us, poppet," Natalie's mother, Lady Sarah, knowingly smiled at me, while talking to her daughter, who looked more like Natalie's sister, "Is this the man you've been on about for the past two months, the one that saved your life?"

"Yes, Mummy," Natalie softly but excitedly smiled, taking my hand, "Mum, Daddy, please allow me to present Masterchief Michael Walker, United States Navy."

"It's nice to finally meet you, young man, "Lord Wickham nicely told me, "Thank you for saving our Natalie, we're very much in your debt, Michael."

"We certainly are, dear," Lady Sarah very gently said, "How can we ever repay you?"

"There's no need to repay me for anything, Lady Sarah," I gently replied, "I was the one who received the blessing by getting the opportunity to meet such kind and noble people like yourselves.

"Don't let the titles fool you, young Michael," Sir Tom grinned, "It's all a bunch of bollocks and shit for the most part," eliciting a giggled from both his daughter and his wife.




A Promise Kept Ch. 03



That was when I got the distinct impression that Lord Wickham be a little bit of a rebel when it came to "acting the appropriate way that royalty should conduct themselves," and I immediately took a liking to him. Little did I realize how truly close the four of us would become before the weekend was over...

~~~~~~

"Usually my daughter sits on my left hand at these ass numbingly, boring affairs," Lord Wickham grinned at me, "But I believe I would prefer that you take her seat this time, if you don't mind, young Michael."

"I don't mind at all sir," I appreciatively replied, "In fact, I would be honored; your Lordship."

"Good," he grinned, patting me on the shoulder, "IT will give the chance to truly thank the man who saved my daughter's life."

While she didn't say anything just then, I felt Natalie gently squeezing my hand, which, when I looked at her, the light that was shining in her eyes was akin to the same look that my beautiful Jill used to give me right before she would tell me that she loved me.

~~~~~~

It wasn't long before the meal was served, which consisted of Steak or Roast Beef, and I chose the latter mind you. However, what I really enjoyed the most about choosing the Roast Beef was the healthy portion of Yorkshire Pudding that came with it. Yorkshire Pudding is not really a pudding per se, but it is more like a baked confection, as it is served in biscuit-like portions; or small cakes if you will.

Either way, and while I'm quite certain that it is not considered proper, but no one said anything to me for doing it that night, I like to cover the Yorkshire Pudding cake with the dark brown gravy that comes off of the Roast Beef and eat it like that. Damn, it was very tasty.

~~~~~~

After dinner and desert, a light jazz band was allowed in, and as they were getting set up, Lady Sarah leaned over the table and told me, "Don't let my daughter monopolize your time, dear, be sure that you save a dance for me."

"I would be honored, Lady Sarah," I gently, but very courteously replied, "I'll save the first one just for you, and not leave my seat until you're ready."

"Sir Tomas and Lady Sarah were somewhere in their early to mid fifties, I'd say, but as you'll soon read, the Wickhams became, and to this day, still are, three of the kindest, most dear people that I've ever known.

~~~~~~

The band had only played three or four songs, and as I was talking to Natalie, I saw a warm smile come across her face at the same time I felt a small, soft pair of hands on my shoulders. I turned around and saw Lady Sarah standing behind me.

"Are you ready to dance?" she smiled, holding her arms open, "I've been told that I'm quite good at it for my age."

"What do you mean by, at your age?" I teased, as I stood, "When we first met, I thought you were Natalie's sister, most certainly not her mother."

"Oh, my goodness," she quietly laughed, as I escorted her to the dance floor, "Aren't you the flatterer."

"Not me," I truthfully replied, "I just know beauty when I see it."

"Oh, you rogue," she pleasantly laughed, as we had now reached the dance floor and had begun dancing, "My daughter tells me that you're a very noble man, and I most certainly agree with her that you're indeed a very kind gentleman."

"Now who is the flatterer, Lady Sarah?" I grinned, then I looked into her eyes, the same hazel blue color as her daughter's, and seriously told her, "May I be honest, ma'am?"

"Please," she understandingly yet, almost motherly smiled, "I want you to be honest with me, Michael. I might understand more than you think."

"Okay then, here goes," I began, as we danced, "The job I do for the Navy means that I've been in certain places, and I've seen some pretty scary things...to the point that we lost a man in our team...I lost my fiancée in a car accident four, going on five months ago...and I guess what I'm trying to say, is that you and Natalie think that I'm this Knight in shining armor, but I'm really not...I'm just...I'm just me. Do you know what I mean, Lady Sarah?"

"Of course, I do, my dear, dear, boy," she softly and tenderly replied, almost bringing tears to my eyes, "You've not taken the time to grieve your losses...I can tell. The rest of the world thinks that we Brits are a cold and unfeeling lot, and while some are, I've raised my daughter not to be that way, Michael...and if you let her, she might help you find your way back."

"She's a very sweet girl," I smiled, feeling a warm sensation beginning to rise up inside me at the mere thought of Natalie, "And her beauty is most certainly beyond compare."

"And if your heart weren't in the state that it's in at this moment, I would say that the two of you would be perfect for one another," Lady Sarah gently yet pointedly told me, "I have a proposition for you, Michael."

"Is that right," I smiled, "And what kind of proposition are you talking about?"

"Let me speak to Natalie first," she smiled, exiting the dance floor as the song was over, "I'll let you know something before the night is over dear."

"Thank you for the dance, Lady Sarah," I smiled, gently kissing the back of her hand, "I enjoyed it immensely."

"Sweet boy," she giggled, as I pulled her chair out for her so that she could sit down, "Go sit down over there and use that boyish charm on my daughter."

"By your leave, "M'Lady," I teased, bowing before I turned to go back to my seat.

"You lovely little scoundrel," I heard her giggling to herself as I walked away...

~~~~~~

"So, tell me," Natalie teased, the moment I took my seat, "Did my mother try to get you to marry me while the two of you were dancing?"

"As a matter of fact, she said just the opposite," I fired back, keeping the teasing going, "She said that I should away from you as fast as I could run...and that it would be scandalous for us to even be seen together."

"Knowing that I'd been teasing her, Natalie looked at me, and gently taking my hand, she leaned forward and laughed, "You're a big lying tosser, but I absolutely adore you, Michael, I simply can't help it."

"I'll let you in on a little secret, Natalie," I tenderly replied, "I think you're a very special young woman, and I'm so thankful that God put you in my path."

"I think God you in my path, Michael," she seriously told me, brushing the back of her soft hand against my cheek, "After all, you're the one who saved me, remember?"

Somewhere in the back of my mind, I heard a voice tell me, "She can save you, too, if you'll let her..."

~~~~~~

Chapter Four

"Come, Michael," Sir Tomas grinned, patting me on the shoulder, "I've some people that I think you might like to meet."

"Gladly, Sir," I smiled, "Lead the way and I'll follow..."

~~~~~~

After Sir Tomas and I walked away, Lady Sarah immediately rose from her seat and took the one I occupied next to her daughter, Natalie.

"Admit it, Mum," Natalie proudly smiled, "I was right, wasn't I...he truly is a nice one, isn't he?"

"You were right, dear," Lady Sarah said, "But did he tell you that he lost his fiancée some months back?"

"Yes, he did," Natalie replied, "But I'm willing to wait until he's over that, Mum...I really like him, and I've come to care for him very much. I can't explain it."

"You don't have to, darling," Lady Sarah understandingly smiled, as she patted her daughter on the arm, then she looked at her with concern in her eyes and truthfully told her daughter, "If you truly care for him as you say you do...then you need to give him time to grieve his losses."

"Losses," Natalie fearfully asked, "Good Lord, who else did he lose?"

"He lost one of the men in his SEAL team to enemy fire," Sarah said, "But that is classified information, I'm sure so; act accordingly, dear."

"Yes, ma'am," Natalie softly replied, gently taking her mother's hand, "He's so dashingly handsome, Mum, don't you think?

"Yes, he is, "Sarah grinned, recognizing the look in her daughter's eyes just then, "But let's not get too hasty, dear...not just yet..."

~~~~~~

"I would like to present to you, my distinguished colleagues, Masterchief Michael Walker," Sir Tomas announced as he introduced me to the group of men who were in another room of the Embassy, "A true warrior in every aspect of the word."  

"Nice to meet you, young man," said an older gentleman, obviously politically connected to Sir Tomas, "My name is Sir Ian Lewiston, political advisor to Sir Tomas."

"It's nice to meet you, Sir Ian," I respectfully replied, "I hope you've had a nice evening, Sir."

"Let me ask you something," he conspiratorially grinned, "Are you a man who fancies a taste of the sprits, young Michael?"

"Hmm, let me see," I knowingly grinned at Sir Tomas, "I've been known to take a taste every now and again. What makes you ask, Sir Ian?"

"Might I borrow him for a few moments, M'Lord?" Sir Ian asked Sir Tomas, "I want to test his mettle."

"As long as you don't get him too pissed," Sir Tomas laughed, "Or else you'll have my daughter to deal with, hear?"

"We'll only be gone for a moment or two, M'Lord," Sir Ian chuckled, then looked at me and said, "Come, young Michael, I want you to taste something that I think is genius...pure genius, m'lad, come..."

~~~~~~

Sir Ian took me over to the bar, and then going around behind it, he took two identical bottles of wine off of the shelf, and bringing two clean glasses as well, he brought everything back out in front of the bar, and sat them down on the nearest table, pulling up a chair, motioning me to do the same.

"This is Bordeaux," Sir Ian grinned, "It's called that because it's made in the Bordeaux region of France. This particular Bordeaux is special though, because it was distilled at the Rothschild winery. According to the labels on these two bottles of wine they're both a vintage nineteen, fifty-four. Would you care to try some?"

"Yes, please," I smiled, "I've never had this particular kind of wine before."

"I hope you don't mind me asking you this," Sir Ian politely said, "But what kinds of wine have you had, young Michael."

"Nothing near as nice as this," I smiled, "it the past I've had only Merlot and then some Burgundy once, but it left me wanting something else. Although my grandmother used to distill the kind of thing that could've fueled the Titan II rockets NASA used during the Apollo program."

"That's a good lad," he laughed, handing me my very first glass of the Château Lafitte Rothschild, "Here, taste this, m'boy; I think you'll really like it."

"Hmm," I said, after smelling it's much different, somehow more fragrant bouquet, "This is interesting."

"Indeed," Sir Ian grinned, "Drink it, lad."

I drank the small taste of what I now describe as ambrosia, which Sir Ian first offered me, and after being able to taste the full rich flavor, I swallowed it, not feeling the heat from the alcohol content until it was well down my throat, leaving a wonderful aftertaste. Hell, I should've known from its different bouquet that I smelled before drinking it, that it was going to be something very special.

"Oh, my God," I gasped, from the wonderful explosion of flavor in my mouth, "This is the best thing I've ever tasted," and then I held my glass forward, "May I have more, please?"

"Why certainly," Sir Ian chuckled, delighted that I liked the wine, "You may have all that you wish."

"There's one thing I do know about wines, Sir Ian," I told him, "It's been my experience that the better they taste; the more expensive it usually is."

"That's correct, young Sir," he laughed, playfully slapping me on the back, "But tonight it's on the British Government so; be sure to drink your fill..."

"Michael," Sir Tomas smiled, walking up behind where I was sitting with another older gentleman in tow, "I would like you to meet, Lord Chester Pilkington, financial advisor to her majesty the Queen. He and I were mates at Oxford, as well as rowed together."

"It's nice to meet you, Lord Chester," I respectfully replied standing, with my hand extended, "Any friend of Sir Tomas' is a friend of mine, sir."

Like I've already said, I stand six feet, two inches, but this was the first time in my life that someone who only stood a maximum of five feet, ten inches tall, was actually able to condescendingly look down his nose at me, and refusing to shake my hand, very wryly said, "Oh, look, Tom, it's another drunk American service man."

"Excuse me," I sharply replied, glaring into Lord Pilkington's eyes, "You don't know me, nor do you have the right to comment on, or judge me. I've done nothing to you, Sir, so; don't you dare say something like that again. I may be a lowly American in your wannabe superior eyes, but I assure you that you're biting off quite a bit more than you can chew. At the same time, I'm still a gentleman, and have a more refined point of view these days."

"Let me ask you something then, Yank," he snottily quipped, leaving Sir Tomas with a look of astonishment, mixed with shock on his face, "How do you deal with living in a country that is full of miscreants, thieves, and assholes?"

"If my sense of history serves me correctly, during the war of Eighteen-Twelve, as well as the Battle of New Orleans in Eighteen-Fourteen, we sent all the miscreants, thieves and assholes back to England, M'Lord," I smugly replied.

All of a sudden, all three men in the room, Sir Ian, Sir Tomas, and Lord Chester immediately burst into a loud roar of laughter. Each of them actually applauding what I'd just said, making me wonder what they'd found that was so funny, until I remembered the dry British sense of humor, and then a sudden understanding came over me, making me simply shake my head and grin.

"He's absolutely brilliant, Tommy," Lord Chester chuckled, "You were right, mate; he's a warrior in every sense of the word."

"Am I missing something here, gentlemen," I suspiciously grinned, "Or are you busting my balls as a means of testing my fortitude?"

"Aye, that's a good lad," Sir Ian, laughed, "A good lad, indeed."

"Are you gentlemen having fun corrupting my date," a familiar female voice teased, from somewhere behind me, "Mum sent me to rescue you, Michael, from the politics and propensities of these...uh...gentlemen," and no sooner had she spoken then Natalie stood before me, looking more beautiful every time I looked at her.

"Hello, M'Lady," I softly smiled, "Sir Ian has been teaching me the fineries of wine from the Bordeaux region of France," as I took a large drink, taking the remainder of the wine in my glass.

"He's been teaching you, alright," she delightfully laughed, "Come with me, Michael, before they have you so pissed that you won't be any good to me," and then she giggled, and took my hand, leading me away, as I began to strongly feel the effects of what little bit of wine that I did drink.

~~~~~~

"Did you have a good time with my father and his mates?" Natalie sweetly teased, "Those old tossers will get you into loads of trouble if you allow them to do so."

"Is that right?" I warmly grinned, "I had fun with those guys, especially Sir Ian."

"Sir Ian really is a sweet old man, and a lot of fun, too," she grinned, as we sat back at the table, holding hands while we talked, "But wait until you get to know Uncle Chester better...he's a bloody gas, that one."

"Uncle Chester?" I asked, "I didn't know that you guys were related. Does that mean that he and your mother are brother and sister or something?"

Natalie suddenly got tickled, and soon began to laugh so hard that she was holding her sides. She continued laughing until, after regaining her composure, she looked at me and softly told me, "My darling Michael, I'm so sorry, I wasn't laughing at you. I was laughing at the thought of my Mum and Chester being brother and sister...Chester isn't really my uncle. It's just that he and Daddy were mates in college, meaning that they've been mates since way before I was ever born. He's just always been a part of my life; hence the reason I call him Uncle Chester."

"Oh, okay," I understood, "That makes sense to me."

"Are you always this charming," Natalie tenderly asked, "Or does it just come naturally, Michael?"

"Natalie, please," I smiled, my face blushing bright red," I just treat people the way I like to be treated, I swear."

"I don't care what it is," she almost protectively replied, leaning over and softly kissing my lips, not caring who saw, even though the place was filled with the press, "I think it's one of the most beautiful qualities that I've ever seen in a man, speaking of which...I've been meaning to ask you...are all American men like you, Michael?"

"I don't know about that," I chuckled, "I'm me, and nobody else can be me, but me so; I'm not sure if there's anybody like me, back home...I sure hope there isn't."

"It's alright, Michael," Natalie softly told me, "I'm going up the coast tonight to stay for a couple of days. We'll stop and let you check out of your hotel, and then I want to take you with me. Please promise me that you'll come..."

~~~~~~

After I'd gotten checked out of my hotel, I followed Natalie in my car north on the 405 express until we took a left on I-10 until it dead-ended into the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica. From there we took highway 27 up into the Santa Monica Mountain Range an hour north of the city until we came to a private gate, where Natalie entered a code on the keypad that was there on the large Concrete and steel column, making the electronically controlled gate swing wide open, closing only after I followed Natalie's car, which I might add, was a British made Jaguar XJS, with the steering column on the right side, past the electronic sentry on the other side of the gate.

~~~~~~

We drove up a paved driveway, pulling first her car, and then mine up in front of one of the most beautiful houses that I'd ever seen. It was made completely of huge logs, was two levels, with all of the modern conveniences of the times. There were four bedrooms on each floor, with the Master suite located at the very top level of the house, almost engulfing the entire upper north end. Altogether I would say that it was somewhere around eleven thousand to twelve thousand square feet, both floors combined.

The moment we were inside though, Natalie led me to the nearest bedroom, and after sweetly kissing my lips, she smiled and whispered, "Goodnight, my beautiful Knight...Michael," and then she opened the bedroom door and told me, "I'll be right next door...in case you get lonely," and then she winked at me, and turned, slowly walking to the room next door, her eyes not leaving mine until she disappeared into her room...

~~~~~~

THE NEXT MORNING

When I awoke the next morning I found Natalie lying next to me dressed in a long tee shirt and a pair of panties, and I simply lay there watching her sleep. Her skin was flawless, her hair possessed a brilliant sheen, and like I'd told her mother the night before, her beauty was beyond compare.

"Good morning, handsome," she softly cooed, as she slowly opened her eyes smiling, "I got lonely next door so; I decided to come in here with you. I hope that you don't mind."

"How could I possibly mind?" I softly asked her, "God, Natalie, you're so beautiful that I don't think that any man would mind."

"Maybe so," she softly grinned, "But I don't want just any man..."

~~~~~~

"Well, good morning, young Michael," Dir Tomas grinned, when I sat down at the table that morning for breakfast, "I'm glad that Natalie brought you out here, m'boy."

"Captured would be a better word," I laughed, "She really didn't give a choice, Sir Tomas."




A Promise Kept Ch. 03



"That's our Natalie...very determined," he proudly chuckled, "She's been that way since she was a child."

"I'm not trying to be disrespectful," I conspiratorially grinned, "But where I come from, we call that being hard headed and stubborn."

"Both of which Natalie gets from her mother," he loudly laughed, "Well said, young Michael...well said."

"Good Morning, darling," Lady Sarah smiled, kissing her husband on the lips before taking her place at the table, "And a good morning to you, too, Michael, and just so that the both of you know, I'm only hard headed when I'm right and someone else is wrong, and if Natalie is like anyone, Michael, don't let my husband fool you for one moment, it's her father she takes after," which of course elicited a chuckle from both me and Sir Tomas.

"Good morning, Lady Sarah," I smiled, "It's good to see you this morning."

"Hello, Michael dear," she sweetly replied, "I see my daughter drug you out of Los Angeles last night."

"Yes, ma'am, she did," I told her smiling, "But it was worth it to be able to see you and Sir Tomas again today."

"You, dear, dear, boy," she sweetly replied, placing her hand atop of mine, "Isn't he just the nicest young man you've ever met, Tomas darling?"

"Oh, yes," he sarcastically teased from behind his newspaper, bringing a grin to my face, "Just lovely," and of course by this time, I was almost in tears laughing.

"Pay him no mind," Lady Sarah giggled, "He's just being a wanker this morning."

"They say that birds of a feather stick together," Natalie giggled, suddenly appearing beside me at the table with her arms around me, "Good, morning, my beautiful Knight," and then she gently kissed me on the cheek, "Did you sleep well?"

"Yes," I smiled, "I slept wonderfully, thank you."

Once everyone was at the table, I saw Sir Tomas press a button on a small box beside the table itself, and then in a matter of a few seconds, a lady and a gentleman, both wearing domestic uniforms, appeared with smiles on their faces.

"Our staff knows what we all like to eat for breakfast, young Michael," Sir Tomas smiled, "So, what would you like this morning?"

"I would like some coffee, with cream and two sugars please," I told the staff, and then to eat, I would like a couple of pieces of bacon with two scrambled eggs, and some toast, please."

"Very good, sir," the lady smiled, then curtsied and left the room.

"I'll bring your coffee straight away, sir," the man told me, then turned and walked away.

~~~~~~

"Everything tasted so good," I told Sir Ian and Lady Sarah, "Thank you both, so very much for having me out here. It was just what I needed."

"We're very glad to have you, dear," Lady Sarah lovingly replied, "I look forward to the day you can come to England and stay with us for a while longer than just the weekend."

"Oh, yes," Natalie suddenly smiled, "Please say that you'll come, Michael...please?"

"It's not that I don't like having him around, too, I do; but you two seem to have forgotten something," Sir Tomas grinned, patting me on the shoulder, "Because of his duty to his country, Michael can't just pick up and go somewhere on a whim."

"He's right," I quietly said, then I smiled, "But I haven't used any of my leave yet, so; don't be surprised if I just show up unannounced. Would that be alright?"

"That would be lovely," Natalie widely grinned, making Sir Tomas chuckle at his daughter's behavior, "I can't wait to introduce you to all my mates, I know they'll adore you."

"We'll have to see," I told her smiling, "But I'll definitely check into it as soon as I get back, okay?"

"Brilliant," Natalie sweetly replied, "Oh, I can't wait."

"Me either, M'Lady" I softly replied, gently squeezing her hand, "Me either."

"So, what do the two of you have planned for the day?" Lady Sarah asked

"I thought that Michael and I could go SCUBA diving today," Natalie knowingly giggled, "If he's up to it, that is."

"Are you kidding me?" I excitedly grinned, "Back on base my team mates all tell me that I'm part fish," which elicited laughter from everyone at the table.

"Please forgive my ignorance, Michael dear," Lady Sarah sweetly asked, "But what exactly does a Navy SEAL do?"

"I can't tell you exactly what we do, Lady Sarah," I began, "But what I can tell you is that we are a group of very highly trained men that are prepared to take care of any given situation at a moment's notice."

"I don't know," she worriedly replied, "It sounds dangerous to me."

"You can rest easy," I smiled, gently patting her hand, "I've yet to come across something that I can't handle," not realizing that I would be put to the test sooner than I cared to.

~~~~~~

Natalie and I went diving that morning, and then just walked the beach hand in hand, spending the day together, content with simply enjoying each other's company. Around four o'clock that afternoon, I heard Natalie's stomach begin to growl.

"Are you hungry?" I asked her, "I can hear your stomach growling."

"Maybe just a bit," she giggled, "But after last night, I don't want anything really heavy, alright?"

"Not a problem, M'Lady," I tenderly replied, "I've always wanted to be to say that to a girl, and it really be true...It's like I'm living in a very sweet dream when I'm around you, Natalie, I just can't help it, what, with the historical times that your family's blood line dates back to...wow...I think it's amazing."

"Oh really," she knowingly grinned, "And how do you know this, my beautiful Knight?"

"I was born at night, my dear," I teased, "But it most certainly wasn't last night," which elicited squeals of laughter from Natalie.

"Not really," I confessed, "I asked your father to give me a brief overview of your family's history, which I found to be absolutely fascinating, by the way. I think that it's very interesting that your father's bloodline dates all the way back to the Roman Empire when England was called Britannia back then; and the Holy Crusade, the Battle of Maricaibo, serving Under Admiral Horatio Nelson, The Crimean War, both World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, the list is endless."

"You see," she smiled, "That's one of the reasons my father adores you like he does, because you can identify with him when it come to all things Military."

"You father is a kind and noble man," I told her, "And I respect him greatly."

"He told me to marry you if I could," Natalie suddenly said, looking directly into my eyes with a knowing smile, "I told you that because I wanted you to know how much my mother and father have come to care for you in the short time they've known you, my beautiful Knight," and then she leaned over and gently kissed my lips and whispered, "And I've come to care a great deal for you myself, Michael."

"I care for you, too, Natalie, I really do," I uncomfortably replied, "But I was honest with you when I told you that I'm still pretty messed up inside."

"I know, my love," she quietly replied, gently holding my head to her breast, rocking back and forth as we sat in the sand talking, "And I think that it's time for me to be honest with you, my beautiful Knight."

"What are you talking about, Natalie," I said, a bad feeling beginning to rise up inside of me, "Is there something that I don't know?"

"Yes, and I'm not ashamed of it either, she suddenly began to cry, "I fell in love with you the day you saved my life, Michael...I couldn't tell you that because I didn't want to look like some starry eyed little girl," and then she couldn't continue talking for being too choked up and crying so; I simply held her close and let her get it out of her system...

~~~~~~

"I'm sorry I lost control like that," she sniffled, "I haven't cried like that since I was a little girl."

"It's alright," I gently replied, "every once in a while we all have to purge our system of life's frustration, I mean, hell, we're only human, Natalie."

"You see?" she smiled, "It's because you always have something wise to say to me when I'm confused, and that's just another one of the many reasons that I love you, and call you my Knight...and according to tradition, because you saved my life, I can...and one day will petition the Queen to Knight you for it."

"Come on, Natalie," I humbly replied, "You don't have to do that."

"Oh yes, I do," she replied, her beautiful hazel blue eyes brightly sparkling, "That way, you'll have a home wherever I am, Michael...always..."

~~~~~~

Chapter Five

As is customary amongst aristocracy the attire for the evening meal is strictly dress so; because it was the only dress clothing I had, I wore my ceremonial Uniform again, only I didn't have to wear my beret.

"Oh, Michael dear," Lady Sarah sweetly commented again, "You look absolutely splendid in that uniform."

"Thank you, Lady Sarah," I happily smiled, "I'll take a compliment like that from a beautiful Lady anytime."

"Oh, my," she brightly smiled, "You are a rascal indeed."

"But don't we all love it, mother?" Natalie grinned, gently taking my hand, "He's my beautiful Knight, and as soon as we get back to London, I'm going to Buckingham Palace to petition her majesty to Knight Michael for saving my life."

"You know, I think that's a brilliant idea," Sir Tomas suddenly grinned, "I'll talk to her majesty personally, my dear, you're not to worry."

"Thank you, Daddy," Natalie cooed, getting up from her place at the table, and then walking around to where Sir Tomas was seated, then she gently threw her arms around her father's neck, kissing him in the cheek, "I love you oh so much."

"I love you, too, my lamb," Sit Tomas gently replied, patting Natalie's hand, "Now go sit back down and let's eat...your mother had me out pulling weeds in her rose garden all day, and I've worked yo quite an appetite."

"I can understand that," I grinned, "My grandmother has a massive rose garden, and I can remember working in it when I was little...and she made me pull weeds, too, Sir Tomas."

"Ah, another member of the brotherhood of weed pullers," he laughed, "I think that deserves a drink...Perkins."

"Yes, sir," replied the older gentleman I saw at breakfast, who until now, I never knew his name, "What can I get you to drink, Sir Tomas."

"Good man," Sir Tomas smiled, "Bring me a bottle of the Chateau Lafitte, Rothschild, a fifty-six if there's another one left, if not, the fifty-one."

"Very good, Sir Tomas, "I'll return momentarily," and then Perkins turned and walked away, headed for the wine cellar presumably.

"Isn't that what Ian was pouring down you at the Embassy bar last night, Michael?" Sir Tomas asked me, "And if anyone knows their wines, one can rest assured that Ian is the world's most informed wine connoisseur that I've ever known."

"I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your telling me of your family history, Sir Tomas," I told him, "I found it to be most fascinating."

"That's because you, yourself are a combat veteran," he respectfully replied, "And warriors respect each other's crusades."

"I've never heard it put that way, Sir Tomas," I respectfully answered him, "Thank you for opening my eyes a little more. I really appreciate it, M'Lord Wickham, sir."

"And thank you, Michael," he told me, "I've never heard my title announced so respectfully, and with so much true meaning. I've noticed that you've taken quite a fancy to the existence of the British Aristocracy, or Nobility, if you will."

"I like to use the word Aristocracy," I plainly said, "If you don't mind that is?"

"Goodness, of course not," he knowingly smiled, "But do you mind if I ask you why, young Michael?"

"No, sir, not at all," I told him smiling, "One can be born into the Aristocracy, but I believe that nobility is not something we're born with. I believe that it should something we all should strive for."

"Well said, Sir Knight," Natalie sweetly grinned.

"And that's another thing," I asked, gently taking Natalie's hand, "I'm not a British citizen so; how can the Queen Knight me?"

"The Queen can Knight anyone that she feels has done something extraordinary, or has done something to protect the Nobility, and/or the Sovereignty of England...and by directly saving the life of a member of the Royal Court, our Natalie, the Queen has been known to Knight certain individuals whose actions have received the notice of a member of the Royal family."

"Holy cow," I said, suddenly realizing just exactly who Sir Tomas and Lady Sarah were, as well as their positions in the Royal family, "If you don't mind my asking, how closely are you related to the Queen, Sir Tomas?"

"She and I are first cousins," Sir Tomas replied, "We were very close growing up, and I'm proud that she's the Sovereign of England."

"So you should be, Sir Tomas," I acknowledged, "And rightly so, too..."

~~~~~~

"Do you play chess, Michael," Sir Tomas politely inquired, "And if so, do you fancy a game?"

"Yes, I've been playing chess since my father taught me how to play when I was about eight," I proudly replied, "And if you want to play a game, I'd be honored...but take it easy on me, Sir Tomas. I haven't played in a few years."

"Certainly," he smiled, "I'm not that savvy of a chess player, I just enjoy the game."

"You'd better watch him, Michael," Lady Sarah told me smiling, "He's a bloody shark, and he'll rob you blind."

"I don't play that well to begin with," I humbly laughed, "And most certainly not well enough to play for money either."

"Please," Sir Tomas grinned, "We're just going to play a friendly game."

"You don't know the meaning of a friendly game, Daddy," Natalie teased, "There first time he loses, Michael, he whines like a schoolboy who's scraped his knee," and then she and Lady Sarah fell into a loud fit of female laughter, making me simply smile and shake my head.

"Damned women," Sir Tomas good naturedly chuckled, "Pay those two no mind, young Michael, no mind at all."

~~~~~~

 I'm not sure," I said, after three hours of playing chess with Sir Tomas, "But I'm fairly certain that that's checkmate, Sir Tomas."

"I believe you're right," he smiled laying his King on its side, "Good game, young Michael."

"You must allow me to take to the gentlemen's club I belong to in London," he chuckled, "We'll "Clean Up" as they say in America."

"I look forward to the day I can come to London," I told him, "And thank you again for your hospitality; Sir Tomas, you and Lady Sarah have been so kind to me."

"You're a good lad," Sir Tomas affectionately told me, "And I, for one, am going to miss you while you're gone...but rest assured, we'll see one another a lot sooner than you think. You can count on it."

"I sure hope so," I replied, "That would be nice," not thinking about what we'd been talking about the night before, or should I say the "Knight" before?

~~~~~~

THAT NIGHT

I had just climbed into bed, and was just beginning to doze off, when I felt someone, Natalie, getting into the bed with me.

"Hello, my beautiful Knight," she softly purred, only this time she draped half of her body across mine, wearing only a tee shirt, and unbeknownst to me at the time, no panties, "This is our last night together, Michael."

"I know," I quietly replied, trying to keep from getting hard by the way she as rubbing her body against mine, as all I was wearing were my boxers, "I'm really going to miss you, Natalie...I'm going to miss all of you sorely, but especially you."

"Please don't remind me, Michael," she sniffled, "And your leaving in the morning is killing me."

"Shh," I softly replied, pulling her into my arms, "Please don't cry, Natalie. It's hard enough as it is."

"I want you to do something for me," she softly told me, "But you have to promise me that you'll do it before I ask you."

"I'll do whatever you want," I said, not realizing what she had in mind, "You know that."

"That's good to hear," she softly breathed, "Because I want you to make love to me, Michael," and then she sat up in the bed and pulled off her tee shirt, revealing her beautiful naked body to me.

"My God, Natalie," I said, not being able to keep from looking at her beautiful body, "You're so beautiful, but do you realize what is it that you're asking of me?"

"Of course, I do," she smiled, now rubbing her bare breasts across my chest, while gently snaking her hand into my boxers, grabbing a hold of my now iron hard cock, "The first time I had sex, it hurt and I didn't like it. I want someone whom I know that cares about me to show me what it feels like to be made love to...Besides, you promised me that you would, Michael. Please do this for me?"

"I guess a promise is a promise," I replied, and with that, I peeled my boxers off and told her, "Come to me, my darling English beauty.

~~~~~~

"Oh, yes, Michael," Natalie moaned as I began to taste her, "No one's ever done that to me before, and I love it, oh God Yes, Yes, Oh, OH, OH YES I'M CUUMMMIINNGG," she cried, as she grabbed my hair, humping my face as she loudly groaned through her first orgasm .I won't go into further detail, but suffice it to say that by the end of the night, the two of us lay exhausted, holding onto one another as if our very lives depended on it

"Can I please sleep in here with you tonight, my love?" Natalie knowingly asked, "You know I'll only climb back into your bed with you after you've gone to sleep, don't you?"

"I know," I grinned, pulling the covers further back, "Come on, baby...besides, I want to hold onto you for as long as I can before I have to leave here tomorrow.

"Mmm," she purred, snuggling up against me, right before I turned off the light, "That's what I wanted to hear, my love..."

~~~~~~

The next morning came, and with it also came having to say goodbye to three of the sweetest, most kind and caring people I've ever known. You will write to me, won't you?" Natalie asked, "I put a surprise in your travel bag only to be opened after you get back to your home."

"I never thought I'd sat this," I told her, pulling her closely against me, "But I'm really going to miss you, Natalie...I'm going to miss you a lot, my sweet."

"You're in here now," she smiled, holding her hand against her heart, "And wherever I go, you'll always be with me, my beautiful Knight."

"Drive safely, Michael," Lady Sarah told me smiling, "I would hate for anything to happen to you."

"Take good care of yourself, young Michael," Sir Tomas grinned, "We'll see you soon, I expect."

"I sure hope so," I absent mindedly replied, "Take care," and then after one final kiss from Natalie, I got into my car, and then headed back to Coronado."

~~~~~~

It only took me about four hours to drive the distance from The Wickham's

Home in the Santa Monica Mountain Range, to my apartment in Coronado; and as I drove, it gave me time to think. I thought about the past weekend and with who I spent it, as well as the fact that not once did I think about Jill's death, Johnny Lee's death, or any number of things that had been crossing my mind, before I met Natalie. And in thinking about her, as well as the time I'd just spent with her and her family, I came to realize that the dark attitude I'd harbored only a few days earlier, was now gone.

In its place, though, was a new, bright and hopeful outlook on life. I realized right then that David and Stephanie had both been right when they told me what they thought Jill would have wanted for me to do in the event she was gone.

While I wasn't totally sure about my feelings for Natalie, I knew for a fact that there was a part of me that did, and would always love her more than life itself. However, the realist in me let me know in no uncertain terms that I was most definitely not meant to spend my life as a part of the British Aristocracy, regardless of how deeply the romantic in me fell in love with the thought of it all. Still though, little did I realize that England would call me once more and honor me for something I looked at no more complicated than tying one's shoes?




A Promise Kept Ch. 04



This is the last and final chapter of this story. I'm sorry for any glitches in my last posting. I don't know whose fault it was that it turned out like it did, but I guess it was still okay...lol

MoogPlayer

~~~~~~

Chapter One

"Michael, honey are you alright?" Kara asked, as we drove back to our house, "I know that it was very hard on you talking about the past."

"I'm okay for now," I told her, "It's just gonna take me a day or two to get my emotional shit back together."

"I'm so sorry that you're hurting, baby," she said, as a lone tear silently made its way down my face, "But I can't begin to tell you how very noble of you it was to talk about the past so that Danny's family can finally have some peace."

"I know it did," I sadly smiled, "And that's the only reason that I did that, too."

"And that's why I love you so much," she softly smiled, "Sir Michael," and then she giggled a little bit, "I really thought that it was cool that you got knighted by the Queen of England. Does your family know about that?"

"No," I quickly replied, "And I don't ever want them to know either."

"And why not, Michael," Kara defensively asked, "Don't you know how proud that would make them; especially your little sister?"

"That's one of the reasons why I don't want them to know," I said, "Please, I'm asking you, as a favor, not to tell them, okay?"

"Okay, baby," she softly replied, taking my hand into hers and interlacing our fingers together, "I'll keep your secret...for now," and then she began to impishly giggle, "Sir Michael..."

~~~~~~

The next day was Sunday, and because I'd promised him that I'd do it when I got the first chance, I took my father fishing. We had to take his truck because it had the trailer hitch on the back, and besides, I wasn't about to pull the boat behind my Corvette.

~~~~~~

Dad had just bought a brand new Ranger© Bass Boat about a month before I got home, and this was the first chance he'd had to try it out. It had everything that comes with a boat of this kind, and I could actually see the "Little Boy with a New Toy" look on Dad's face the moment the boat touched the water.

"Here," he excitedly told me, handing me the truck keys, "You pull the truck and trailer up into the parking lot and lock her up. I'll bring the boat around to the pier. You can get on her then."

"Her?" I teased, "Dad, this is a boat, not a ship."

"Shut up, shit head," he laughed, "Didn't you learn in the Navy not to argue with the Captain of the ship, boy?"

"Jeez," I laughed, using the truck to pull the trailer from the water, and then drove it around to park it, "Gimme a fucking break," and then after locking everything up, I walked over to the Marina to meet Dad at the pier.

~~~~~~

"So, tell me, son," Dad inquired, as we fished, "How are you really doing, son?"

"I'm okay," I lied; "Come on, Dad; why would you ask me something like that?"

"Bullshit," Dad quietly bellowed, so as not to scare the fish, "You think I can't tell that you still think about that shit you went through in the Navy?"

"Look," I said, "I can't even begin to tell you what I went rough, okay? Besides, it's not like you could ever understand anyway."

All of a sudden, I felt the apple that Dad had been eating hit me in the side of the head, and then I saw it fall into the water and bob up and down on the surface of the lake.

"Just who the fuck do you think you're talking to, boy?" Dad quietly seethed, "You forgot that I did two tours over in the Nam; and for a while, I thought I lost my soul in that shitty fucking country."

"You're right, and I'm sorry, Dad," I regretfully replied, "It's just that... here lately, I feel like the walls are closing in on me."

"Yeah," Dad said nonplussed, "And going to talk to the Reed family and disclosing classified information wouldn't have anything to do with how you're feeling, now, would it?"

"How did you know about that?" I angrily asked, "I'm going to have to have a talk with Kara, because I..."

"Kara had nothing to do with it so; don't even go there with me," Dad knowingly interrupted, "Etienne Reed and your mother have known each other for about four years now. They met at one of those gardening conventions in Houston that your mother likes to go to. They got to talking, then one thing led to another, and they ended up talking about their sons, and guess what?"

"Mom found out about Danny," I sullenly replied, looking out on the lake, "Didn't she?"

"Yeah, she did," Dad said, "But until now, she and Etienne never knew that you and Danny even knew each other, much less became the close friends that you did...which, by the way, I'm really sorry for the loss of your friend, son, I really am."

"He wasn't just my friend, Dad," I replied, my eyes beginning to fill with tears, "He was the only brother I'll ever have."

"So, so honor his scarfice by moving forward in your life," Dad quietly replied, "I know that that's what I would want you to do if I were him."

"Thank you, Dad," I told him, after realizing that, as always, he was right, "I know that you're right...I'll try."

"Come on, Mikey," he said, "You and I both know that there is no such thing as "trying" when you're dealing with something like this, there's only "doing", okay?"

"Yes, sir," I replied, "You're right."

"You're damn right I am," he grinned, "Come on now, let's fish."

We ended up catching four nice sized large mouth bass that day, enough to for a nice fish fry, which we invited Ken and Sara Matlock to.

~~~~~~

"Damn, Nathan," Ken grinned, as we ate, "This is some tasty Bass, where did you guys say that you caught these?"

"We didn't," Dad grinned, winking at me, "And I want to keep it that way so I can go back and catch the rest of the fish's family..."

~~~~~~

That evening after we finished eating, Mom reminded me that my sister Brittany, was going in for her final surgery the next morning, and that she'd told Mom that she wanted to see me before they put her under.

"Tell Britt not to worry, Mom," I replied, as Kara and I got into my car to go back home, "I promise that I'll be there no matter what."

~~~~~~

"I think Brittany will be in better spirits when she sees you tomorrow," Kara smiled, "She loves you so much."

"I know," I warmly smiled, as I remembered some of the stunts my little sister pulled when we were young, "I love her, too."

"Uh, I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings," Kara told me, "But what're you going to do about work tomorrow?"

"That's simple," I grinned, "I'll have to cancel class for the day."

"Okay," she uncomfortable replied, "But the Board of Regents don't really like for teachers to cancel their classes."

"This is my immediate family, Kara honey," I pointed replied, "And if the Board doesn't like me canceling my classes because one of them is having surgery; then they can all kiss my ass. There's time for that later."

"I'm behind you a hundred percent, honey; you know that," she sweetly smiled, holding hand to her lips and kissing it, "I'm just looking out for you, baby."

"I know, and I love you for it," I softly replied, "I really do."

~~~~~~

TEXAS WOMEN'S HOSPITALHOUSTON, TEXASTHE NEXT MORNING6:45 AM

"Hi, Mikey," Brittany drowsily said, gently holding my hand, as she waited in her room for the orderlies to come and get her, "I'm glad to see you...Hi Kara, thank you for coming too."

"Hi, pretty girl," Kara tenderly replied, "I wasn't gonna miss this for anything, Britt, but I have to get back to campus soon. Michael's going to be here all dat with you, baby girl."

"Good," she wearily rolled her eyes, "I don't know, but that pill the Doctor gave me earlier is getting me fucked up," she began to childishly giggle, "Ooops, is Mom here?"...giggle..."I know she hates when I say fuck...giggle giggle...but you ought to hear her and Dad going at it, and they've been doin it a lot lately...giggle, giggle, giggle...talk about a nasty mouth, Mom says stuff like..."

"That's enough, Brittany," I interrupted her; trying to keep from smiling while Kara quietly snickered over in the far corner of the room, "I think that you're enjoying the medication a little too much."

I still thank God to this day that the orderlies came when they did, putting a stop to my sister's naughtiness, brought about by the medication the Dr. had given her.

~~~~~~

"I love you, Brittany," I told her as they rolled her out the door, "I'll see you in a little while."

"Bye, Mikey," she smiled, in a childlike innocence because of the drug, "I love you, too," and then she smiled once more only this time she slowly closed her eyes and went to sleep...

~~~~~~

EIGHT HOURS LATER

Brittany had been out of surgery for almost three hours by this time. The Surgeon totally assured us that, because Brittany was still young enough, everything went well, and most important of all, my sister would recover perfectly, looking as though nothing had ever touched her to begin with.

I only hoped that was true, because God himself knew, that if whoever hurt my sister, or whoever I love for that matter, went free on a technicality, then I would most assuredly kill them, and I wouldn't even break a sweat, nor would my pulse rise up above 72 beats per minute, while I was doing it...that much was certain.

However, while I know what I just finished saying might sound monstrous to some; I'm no different from any other man when it comes to protecting, and keeping safe that which he holds most dear in his life.

The way things stood at the moment meant that Tommy Powers had an ass whipping of epic proportion coming to him, and I was the going to be the one who was going to deliver that particular item to him. The only thing about it was that he wasn't going to be able to see it coming, as his attention was going to be elsewhere when the time came to take the little sonofabitch down...and if I could help it, it was going to be me that he saw, and would beg for mercy, that much was certain.

~~~~~~

I was reading the newspaper and sitting in a chair next to my little sister's hospital; bed when I heard her croak, "Mikey, where are you?"

"I'm right here, baby girl," I told her, leaping to my feet and coming to her side, "What can I get you, sweetie?"

"Water," she quietly whispered, "Thirsty..."

The nurse told me that she would be thirsty when she finally woke, and therefore placed a pitcher and a cup on her utility table by her bed. So, as quickly as possible, and being careful not to spill it, I poured Brittany a cup of water placing a straw in it, and ten held it to her lips so that she could drink.

"Thank you," she hoarsely told me, "My head feel kinda light," and then she began to smile.

"Thank you, God," I quietly smiled, looking to the heavens, "I owe you big time for this one, Lord."

~~~~~~

TEN DAYS LATER

"Okay, now," the surgeon told Brittany before he began removing the bandages, "You're still a little bruised so; don't be upset when you see the dark skin. However, your surgery went spectacularly perfect and when the bruises go away, you'll be able to see what I'm talking about, okay sweetie."

"Okay, Doctor," Brittany nervously replied, "Go ahead and take the bandages off..."

~~~~~~

"Look at that beautiful face," I told Brittany, as she happily cried while looking at herself in the mirror, "My beautiful sister is back with a vengeance."

"But look at the bruises," she sniffled, "I won't be able to show this face anywhere."

"Those bruises will go away, baby," Mom smiled, tears in her eyes, "The main thing is that you're alright now."

"I'm okay, Mom," Brittany impishly smiled, "My pussy is going to be out of commission for a while so; you and Dad can rest easy on that subject," which elicited a snicker from not only Kara and me, but Dad also gave a loud chuckled.

Needless to say, Mom gave him a stern glare, then she looked at Britt smiling and told her, "I can tell that you're alright, young lady...you still have that filthy mouth of your," and by this time we were all laughing.

"Ya'll stop laughing her, dammit," Mom told us, "You know it only makes her that much worse," which was pointless by this time, because we were all too far gone to care by then...

~~~~~~

By the time evening rolled around, Brittany seemed to have a clearer head, and not under any medication that would make her blatantly speak what was on her mind, like she wasn't bad enough about that already. Still though, she was out of danger, and once her facial wounds were healed well enough, we were going to send her to a specialist who dealt strictly with the female of the species. Jeez, it sounds like we're dealing with aliens, or something, huh?

~~~~~~

THAT NIGHT

When Kara and I got home, we were tickled to see that Jayne was there, apparently having dealt with whatever demons she'd been dealing with, and as tickled to see us as we were her.

"Hi, sweetheart," Kara smiled, tightly hugging her, "Welcome home."

"Home," she softly replied, "I love the way that sounds...don't ya'll?"

"I sure do," I warmly smiled, "I love it."

"I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, Michael," Jayne smiled, tears in her eyes as she went from Kara's arms to mine in order to tightly hug me, "I slept all night last night for the first time since Danny died."

"Aw, my precious, precious girl," I told her, my eyes now filling with tears as my heart was literally breaking for her, "I never knew it was that bad for you, Jayne honey, why didn't you ever tell me or Kara?"

"Because," she openly cried, "I didn't want to burden either one of you with my problems."

"Because of my relationship with Danny," I told her, "You're my responsibility now, and I swear by all that's holy, I won't ever let anything happen to you, ever again. Do you understand me, sweetheart?"

"You really are a noble man, Michael," Kara smiled, happy tears raining done her beautiful face, "No wonder the Queen of England knighted you..."

~~~~~~

The next morning it was business as usual; I went to teach my classes and Kara went off to teach hers, kissing me until I saw her later in the day. It was good to get back to work, and the moment I went in to teach my first class that next morning, I felt like things were beginning to turn back to normal, with the exception of dealing with not only the Powers family, but also Bob Dresden. If you remember right, that son of a bitch tried to have me killed.

Detective Gavin Phelps had personally assured me that he wasn't going to be able to make bail because of the severity of the charges against him. Besides that; the District Attorney's Office had assured me that it would be an open and shut case.

They'd been keeping James Kindler and Howard Nash in a safe house somewhere out of state. And in case you don't remember them, they were the two redneck assholes that tried to bomb the house that Kara and I were living in with us in it. The D.A. had already cut a deal with them, and would be placing them and their families into the witness protection program once they'd testified to being paid by Robert Dresden to kill us.

I only hoped that the jerk-offs in the Powers family weren't powerful enough to be able to find them. If that were the case, then not only would I kill them one by one, but I would also do it by hand, and watch, as the life slowly drained from their eyes. I know that it may sound evil to some, but I think I've already mentioned being no different that anyone else who's loved ones were in danger.

~~~~~~

I could tell that talking about Danny and everything this last weekend with the Reed family had brought some old demons I once thought I'd dealt with back to life. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that that was why I found myself feeling the way I had after talking about that old stuff.

"That "stuff" as you call it, is NOT that old," the voice in my head told me, "And you can kid yourself all that you want to, but you STILL haven't dealt with any of it..."

~~~~~~

That evening after Karate practice was over, and we were both home, Kara could tell that I had something on my mind, and in doing so, asked, "Baby, are you alright? You seem a little preoccupied this evening."

"It's nothing really," I told her, "I guess I'm still kind of emotional after this past weekend."

"I can see why you would be, sweetheart," Kara compassionately replied, "I don't want to cause you any more emotional distress, baby so; can I ask something of you?"

"Let me guess," I smiled, gently, but playfully slapping Kara on her butt, "You want me to tell you more about what happened to me and Rita Tate, don't you?"

"Dammit, Michael," Kara smiled, "You know me entirely too well, baby."

"Okay, I will after we eat dinner," I told her, "Okay?"

"Can I sit in and listen, too," Jayne knowingly grinned as she entered the room, apparently having heard, "You're gonna finish talking about you and that Rita lady, aren't you?"

"Yes, I am," I laughed, "And yes, you can sit in and listen."

"Alright then, what do you guys feel like having for dinner?" Jayne passively grinned, "I'm doing the cooking tonight..."

~~~~~~

Winter was coming upon us as it was late October at the time, and because the girls complained that they were getting cold, I lit a fire in the fireplace to take the chill off the inside of the house that had begun to set in.

"Where do you want me to start?" I asked, "I just don't want to talk about this stuff anymore after this, okay?"

"That's fine, baby," Kara tenderly replied, "I know that talking about this stuff hurts you."

"I don't know," Jayne said, "I've heard that it's good to talk about your problems to people that you trust."

"She's right, baby," Kara told me, "And you know that neither one of us would ever do anything to hurt you, don't you, Michael?"

"Hey, Michael," Jayne smiled, "Will you finished telling your story...well, up until you got home, please?"

"Alright, then," I began, "When I got back home..."

~~~~~~

Chapter Two

Sleep evaded me the first night back after losing Danny, and I felt like my whole world had been torn completely apart. So; as opposed to tossing and turning all night, I called Rita around 11:00 pm.

"Hullo," she sleepily said, as she answered her phone.

"Hi, sweetie, it's me," I said, "I'm back."

"Hi, baby," she softly smiled, "I was just dreaming about you."

"I'm glad," I told her, "Can I come see you?"

"You'd better," she sweetly replied, "I'll be waiting for you, sweetie..."

~~~~~~

"Hello, handsome," She grinned when she first saw me, and then she frowned when she could tell that something was wrong, "Michael, honey what's wrong...you look like you just lost your best friend."

"I did," I sniffled, and then I fell into her arms in tears, "Danny is dead."

"Oh, my God, Michael," she suddenly said tightening her arms around me, "I'm so sorry, baby. Is there anything I can do to help you?"

"No, not really," I sniffled, tears raining down my face, "I'm just glad that you're here for me, that's all."

"Of course, I am," Rita sweetly told me, "I'm really sorry for your loss, Michael..."

~~~~~~

I ended up falling asleep in Rita's arms that night, as she held me all night long until I eventually cried myself to sleep. I never realized how therapeutic it was just to simply let your emotions release themselves from time to time.

Rita never once said anything out of the way to me about it. I could tell that she understood, and it was nice not to have to talk about it for a change while I was with her.However, littler did I realize that soon enough, the difference in mine and Rita's opinion about the kind of work I did for the Navy would be what tore us apart, but for the time being, the waters were clam and I was licking my wounds.




A Promise Kept Ch. 04



~~~~~~

I woke bright and early the next morning, and because she had the day off, Rita walked me to her door, kissing my lips before I left to go to work.

~~~~~~

"Hey, L.B.," Dave gently smiled, when he saw me that next morning, "You doing alright this morning?"

"I'm good to go," I lied, "What's on the agenda this morning?"

"Admiral White wanted me to tell you to go home when you showed up," he said, "And he wants to talk to you before you leave, okay, L.B?" as he gently patted me on the back, "I'm gonna miss him, too, Mike," and then I saw Dave wipe the tears falling from his own face, "It'll get better, believe me, Mike..."

~~~~~~

"You wanted to see me, sir?" I asked, as I stood in front of Admiral White.

"Hey Mike," he smiled, rising to his feet, "Come on in, and sit down, if you will."

"Yes, sir," I replied, as we both took a seat, "What can I do for you Admiral?"

"Nothing really," he quietly grinned, "I just wanted to see how you were holding up, kid."

"I'll be alright, sir," I said, hanging on to my sanity just then by my fingernails, "I just need a little time, that's all."

"I'm glad to hear that," he smiled, handing me a large manila envelope, "Here is a round-trip ticket to Hawaii, more specifically, Pearl Harbor. I want you to go there for ten days and just take it easy.

"Why, Admiral," I asked, not giving a shit what happened to me at this point in my life, "You know that I'm fucked up from doing my job, and yet you guys didn't teach me how do deal with what I'm feeling sir."

"You're right, I didn't," he firmly replied, "That's why I want you to do as I asked...I can order you to do it, Mike, but I'd much rather ask you to do this as my friend...okay?"

"Yes, sir," I replied, "Besides, I think I could handle getting away from here for a little while."

"Glad to hear it, son," he softly replied, gently patting my shoulder in a fatherly way, "I'm going to miss Reed, hell, we all are, but if you want to honor him, then I suggest you do as I asked you and go to Pearl Harbor...trust me, kid."

"Yes, sir," I quietly told him, "Thanks, Admiral."

"You're welcome, Mike," he told me, as I was leaving, "Oh...someone is going to meet you at the airport so; wait on them if they're not there when you get there."

~~~~~~

HONOLULU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTHONOLULU, HAWAII1300 HOURS

The moment I stepped off the plane, a pretty young lady with long dark hair all the way to her waist, and dark brown, almond shaped eyes, walked up to me and said, "Are you Masterchief Walker?"

"Yes," I smiled, "Who might you be?"

"My name is Lelahni Lihu," she sweetly smiled, "And Admiral White asked me to meet you here this afternoon."

"Is that right," I chuckled, "And exactly how is it that you two know one another?"

"He and my father served together in Vietnam," she sadly began, "Before my father died, he made J. Evan promise to look out for me as I grew up so; he's kind of like a godfather of sorts."

"I see," I gently smiled, "So; where do we go from here?"

"First we take a taxi to your hotel," she lightly chuckled, "Then you check in...your room has already been paid for, and is ready. Once that is done, you and I are going to sit down and have a long talk, okay?"

"Uh huh," I commented, "And I suppose I don't have a choice, because this is all Admiral White's doing; correct?"

"That's right," she knowingly grinned, "You're pretty smart for a sailor..."

~~~~~~

My hotel room was more than just an ordinary room, hell; it was a suite which sat on the top floor of the hotel itself. And to say that I was impressed would be a major understatement for anyone who saw it.

It had two bedrooms, a den, kitchen, and a dining room with a small den, which, with the large glass doors, opened up onto a very spacious balcony that overlooked all of Waikiki beach in its entirety.

"What am I doing here," I quietly asked, "And who's paying for this?"

"I was instructed to tell you that it doesn't matter," she smiled, "I was also told that to stay here with you the entire time you're here in Hawaii."

"Come on, Lelahni," I kindly asked, "Can't you even give me a hint?"

"I'm sorry, Michael, but I really can't tell you anything," she softly told me, "You're here to heal, and if I told you who paid for this, you'd be too busy trying to think of a way to pay them back instead of concentrating on getting better...okay?"

"I guess that's going to have to do for now," I told her, "But I think it sucks that you won't at least tell me that much."

"Once again, I'm sorry," she sweetly replied, gently taking my hand as she'd hailed a taxi, "Come with me, Michael; so that we can get you to your hotel room...you've got a busy day tomorrow, and we still have a lot to talk about, Master Chief..."

~~~~~~

ONE HOUR LATER

The taxi dropped us off in front of the Waikiki Hilton, which was right on the beach. I felt blessed at being able to open my balcony window and have the warm Southern Pacific breeze permeate the whole suite, reminding me of my apartment back home in Coronado, California. Still though, this was Hawaii, and to be totally honest, there really was no comparison to California.

'I want to talk to you before we go to sleep tonight, Michael," Lelahni softly smiled, "But how about we go get a bite to eat first?"

"That sounds good to me," I smiled, "My stomach's been growling ever since I got here..."

~~~~~~

The restaurant in the lobby of the hotel looked to be as good a place as any to eat, and I was about to lead us into it until Lelahni stopped me, shaking her head.

"You don't want to eat here, Michael," she smiled, taking my arm, "Come with me...I'll take you to the best place on Oahu; and it's not known to the tourists, well, not many anyway...sound good to you?"

"Definitely," I grinned, "You lead and I'll follow..."

~~~~~

On the way to the restaurant, I was watching out the window of the cab, as it headed in a northerly direction. And of course I widely smiled when I saw rows upon rows of Pineapples growing in the fields that we passed along the way.

"I can tell that we're headed north," I told Lelahni, "Where are we going, Lelahni?"

"The name of the restaurant that we're going to is named, "Joe's Place", and it belongs to my cousin, Teela. She took it over after her parents, my aunt and uncle, died."

"I'm sorry to hear that, Lelahni," I quietly said, "Please give my condolences to your family, okay?"

"Thank you, Michael; J. Evan was right when he said that you were a good guy," she sweetly smiled, "That only reinforces my belief that you're a very kind and gentle man, but we'll talk about that when we get back from dinner..."

~~~~~~

"Please don't be worried when you first see the place," Lelahni smiled, as the taxi began to slow down before the turn-off, "I know it may look a little scary on the outside, but believe me when I tell you, not only is the food excellent, but Teela's floors are so clean that you could practically eat off of them and the tables."

"If you say so," I smiled, "I'm just hungry and as long as the food is good, I don't care if it's cooked in a trash barrel."

"You're silly," she grinned, gently taking my hand as the taxi came to a stop at the front of the restaurant, "Come with me, Michael. There's a steamed lobster somewhere in there with your name on it..."

~~~~~~

Ten minutes later we were sitting at a table on the back deck, which was shaded and overlooked the Pacific Ocean as the small waves gently lapped ashore, while across way and further down the road, the Banzai Pipeline roared...after all, we were on the world renowned North Shore of Oahu, the surfing capitol of the world.

"I like the atmosphere in here," I smiled, as we took our seats, "It's very relaxing."

"LELAHNI...HOW YOU DOING GIRL?" came from behind us, followed by a large woman, who stood at least six feet tall if she was an inch, with her arms open and a smile on her face. "How you doing, little cousin?" the woman asked, using the dialect used by the locals islanders there in Hawaii, gently hugging Lelahni when she reached our table, "I hardly see you anymore since you go to work for Uncle Sam...and who is this handsome thing you bring with you?"

"Teela," Lelahni widely smiled, returning the hug, "It's so good to see you, too."

"So," Teela knowingly grinned, "This your new boyfriend, huh?"

"No, it's not like that," Lelahni giggled, "We're just good friends, that's all."

"If you say so," Teela teased, as she handed us two menus, "Whatever you eat tonight is on the house, okay?"

"Please, Miss Teela," I smiled, "We're more than happy to pay you for whatever we eat."

"You're guests here," she said, her local dialect totally disappearing, "And because you're with my baby cousin, I want your first time here to be memorable."

"If the food tastes as good as it smells, then this most definitely will be a night to remember," I smiled, "But I don't want your people to have to work for free just because you want me to remember this night."

"They eat more than they cook around here," Teela grinned, making me double over with laughter, "If anything, they're paying me what they already owe me," and of course that time I saw Lelahni beginning to giggle.

"So whatchoo wanna eat, girl?" Teela asked Lelahni, her dialect returning with full force, "The lobster is real good tonight."

"That sounds great," Lelahni brightly smiled, "Bring us two with everything..."

~~~~~~

"Wow," I smiled, as we ate, "This is really good, Lelahni. Thank you for bringing me in here this evening. I've really enjoyed myself."

"Is that right?" she smiled, playfully elbowing me, "You're not such a bad date yourself."

"I didn't realize that this was a date," I quietly replied, which also made Lelahni's face turn ten different shades of red, "You need to tell me these things from now on so that next time I can dress a little nicer."

"You like to stir up trouble," Lelahni laughed, "I can already tell."

"Maybe so," I teased, "But you still haven't told me what you want to talk to me about when we get back to the hotel ya know..."

~~~~~~

It was nearing 9:00 in the evening when we got back to our hotel suite, which also meant that it was dark outside. I took off my shoes and proceeded to make a fresh pot of coffee, while Lelahni went to her room to change into something a little more comfortable.

It didn't take Lelahni very long before she returned to the kitchen wearing a pair of gray, cut-off sweat pants and a form fitting tee-shirt that was the same color as the pants. Me, I remained in what I was wearing, a pair of shorts and a tee-shirt.

"Hi," I smiled, the moment she walked into the den that evening, "You look very comfortable, Lelahni...and very pretty, too."

"Aw, thank you, Michael," she smiled, "You're the first man who's ever paid me a compliment without ulterior motive."

"Is that right," I teased, "And what makes you think that I'm not the same way?"

"Because," she smiled, placing her palm against my cheek, "Number one, you're not like that at all, and number two, my heart tells me that you would, without question; take the life of anyone who would try to harm me."

"How do you know all of this about me?" I bewilderedly asked, walking into the kitchen and leaning against the stove, "You don't even know me, Lelahni...I mean...don't get me wrong, I'm not upset about it, or anything, I was just curious, that's all."

"Scoot over and let me make us some hot chocolate," she smiled, gently nudging me out of the way, "Then we can sit out on the balcony and have our little talk before you go to sleep tonght, okay?"

"Alright," I replied smiling, "I'll meet you out on the balcony in a few minutes then."

"That sounds good to me," she teased, "That way you won't be getting in my way while I make our Hot Chocolate, which, I might add, is a delicacy among us Hawaiians."

"No it's not," I laughed.

"You're right, it's not," Lelahni girlishly laughed, "I thought it sounded good though," and then she continued to delightfully laugh, her laughter affecting me in ways I wasn't used to...it brought me a sudden feeling of peace...

~~~~~~

"This is good," I smiled, after tasting the cup of nice and sweet, just the way I like it, Hot Chocolate, "Thanks, Lelahni, I really appreciate this...not just this either. I want to thank you for everything you've done for me since I got here."

"You're welcome, Michael," she softly replied, gently patting my hand, "You'll be as good as new in no time."

"I'll be as good as new in no time?" I asked, almost burning my lip on the hot chocolate, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Relax, Michael," she childishly giggled, "It's not as bad as you think."

"Alright," I said, wiping my mouth with my napkin, "Why don't you tell me then?"

"It all started when I was a child," Lelahni told me, "I was six the first time it happened."

"The first time what happened?" I asked, still confused, "I don't understand, Lelahni."

"I was playing with my two older brothers, and we were down on the beach," she began, "My oldest brother, Kolo, poured water on me, and it made me so angry that I wished for a cocoanut to fall on his head...and as soon as we began making our way home, it did."

"Come on, Lelahni," I said, "That sounds like a coincidence to me."

"Yes, I thought so, too, at first," she said, "Then that night my mother slapped my hand for acting up at the supper table, and when I wished for the bowl of soup to land in her lap...I don't know...I watched the bowl move by itself across the table and land upside down in Momma's lap. The next day she took me to my grandmother's house and told her what happened the night before. The funny thing about it at the time was that neither my mother nor my grandmother seemed too upset about it."

"So what happened after that?" I asked.

"My grandmother took me in and I stayed with her until I graduated college," Lelahni smiled, "At first I was angry at my mother for leaving me with her until she taught me that I not only had a gift, but also how to use this same gift to do good things."

"I guess I'm still a little lost," I said, now totally confused, "What gift?"

"My grandmother called it "sparkling"," she softly said, "Modern science tried to call it telekinesis."

"Telekinesis," I asked, "You mean that you have the ability to move things with your mind?"

"No, nothing that extraordinary," she smiled, gently patting my hand again, "It's more like...I have the ability to wish things with my heart. Do you understand what I'm telling you, Michael?"

"I'm trying to," I said, "But why did your grandmother call it sparkling?"

"This is the really sweet part," Lelahni quietly smiled, "She said that every time we wished for something good to happen to someone, a new star would appear in the night sky, sparkling brightly so that all the angels in heaven could see."

For the first time in a very long time, I found myself totally speechless, and in that moment, I felt more loved than I'd ever felt in my life. It wasn't a physical, nor was it an emotional type of love. It was simply love in its purest, most beautiful form, and it began to warm me from within until it was all over me. And because I felt so overwhelmed at that moment, tears began to slowly and silently flow in a path down my cheeks.

"Lelahni," I gently asked, "Can you take my pain away?"

"That's why you've been sent here, Michael," she softly replied, "But it's time to go to sleep now...tomorrow you begin the journey so; sleep...

~~~~~~

THE NEXT MORNING

I woke the next morning around 5:30, and of course it was still dark outside. Normally I would've immediately gotten out of bed and prepared to take my early morning run, as I'd developed that habit ever since I'd graduated BUD/S. Instead, I got out of bed, put on some clothes, and then went into the kitchen to make a pot of coffee.

~~~~~~

I sat out on the balcony that morning, not only drinking my coffee, but also contemplating whatever it was that Lelahni had prepared for me to face. Scared wouldn't be the correct word to use to describe how I was feeling that morning. I think that the word "apprehensive" better described the feelings that were coursing through me instead. I knew that Lelahni wasn't going to lead me into anything that would bring me bodily harm, that much was certain. However, I wasn't so sure about my emotions though, and from the way I was feeling at that particular moment; I think that I was about to face something that would more than likely bring my heart to its knees, if you know what I mean.

~~~~~~

I hadn't been sitting out on the balcony for more than ten minutes, when from behind me, I heard a sweet and very familiar female voice tell me, "Good morning, Michael; did you sleep well?"

"Good morning to you, too, Lelahni," I grinned, turning around to find her wearing her bikini top, and a short wrap around her hips, that stopped just above her knees, "I slept quite well, thank you; how about you? How did you sleep?"

"Mmm," she purred, gently hugging me, "I slept better than I have in quite a while. Thank you for asking."

"Please, have a seat," I said, patting the chair beside me, "Can I get you a cup of coffee?"

"You most certainly may," she sweetly laughed, "I take mine the same way that you do; three sugars and two creams...am I right?"

"You know that you are," I laughed, standing up and moving toward the sliding glass, patio door, "I'll be right back."

~~~~~~

"So, tell me, Michael," Lelahni smiled, "How're you feeling today? DO you feel strong?"

"I feel great," I grinned, "Why?"

"Because," she knowingly grinned, "Admiral White said that you're an avid surfer, riding the waves at every given opportunity."

"I'm not a champion or anything like that," I replied, "But yes, Admiral White was correct in saying that I like to surf...why do you ask?"

"You'll find out soon enough," she again knowingly grinned, "After we eat breakfast, you and I are going to take a trip to the North Shore... and the Banzai Pipeline."

"Oh really," I asked, "I've never surfed waves that big...but I've watched the guys that do surf the pipe on the television, and it looks dangerous as hell."

"I wouldn't worry about that too much," she smiled, "You're one of the strongest men I've ever known, and I don't think that you'll have any problems at all with it...if you're willing to try, that is."

"Hell, I'm willing to try almost anything once," I grinned, "Twice if I like it; and three times if it's real good."

"You're so silly," Lelahni girlishly laughed, "And that quality is very rare in a warrior such as yourself..."

~~~~~~

Chapter Three

THE NORTH SHOREOAHU, HAWAII

"Here we are," Lelahni smiled, as we pulled up to the beach, "I'm very anxious to see how well you do once you're out there."

"That's all well and good," I told her, "But if you remember, we didn't bring a surfboard, and mine is back on the mainland so; tell me; how am I supposed to surf without a board?"

"That problem will be remedied in just a few minutes," she smiled, looking at her wrist watch, "And before you ask me any more questions, my cousin, Max, began work on your board the moment you set foot on Hawaiian soil."

"You've got me again, Lelahni," I bewilderedly replied, "I don't understand what you're talking about."

But before she could reply, however, an older, but still in excellent shape, hunter green Chevy El Camino pulled up beside us in the parking lot; and because Lelahni was driving, the car/truck pulled up and stopped on Lelahni's side of the car.

"Lelahni," smiled the driver, a man of about thirty, with long dark hair the same color as hers, "How you doing, little cousin, huh?"

There were two people in the El Camino. And while they were both clearly of Hawaiian descent, the person sitting in the passenger-side seat, who was obviously a teenager, glared at me, and then to Lelahni, in a Hawaiian accent, snottily, quipped, "Why you bring dis fuckin howlie here, girl?"




A Promise Kept Ch. 04



"Watch you mouth," said the driver, backhanding the smart ass kid in the face, shutting him up. Then he looked at me with a smile on his face, and also with as Hawaiian accent, kindly smiled and said, "Please forgive my cousin. He's eighteen years old and should know better than to use that kind of language around not only a lady, cousin or not, but especially around someone he doesn't know so, I ask that you please try and overlook his dumb ass today, Mastah Chief."

"You've got me at a disadvantage, friend," I smiled, "You know my name, but I don't know yours."

"This is Max, the man I just told you about...the guy who made your surfboard," Lelahni proudly smiled, as she introduced us, "He was also a Marine and did three tours in Vietnam, Michael."

"What do you mean was a Marine," I grinned, getting out of the car to shake Max's hand, "Once and Marine, always a Marine...welcome home, brother," I smiled proudly shaking hands with him.

"Thank you, Brudda (brother)," he graciously replied smiling, returning the handshake, "I hope you like the board I made for ya...I call it "The Edge", and there's not anudda one like it anywhere," as he lead me to the rear,/bed of his El Camino...

~~~~~~

"Holy shit," I exclaimed, upon my first look at the surfboard that Max had made, as he and the teenaged boy, whose name was Kenny, lifted it out of the back of Max's El Camino, "This thing is beautiful...I've never seen one like this before."

"See," Max proudly laughed, "I told you so, yes?"

"Yes," I grinned, "You sure did; and I can't wait to take it out either."

"Here," Lelahni smiled, handing me the car keys, "I bought you a new wetsuit and it's in the trunk. By the time you get suited up, it'll be time to hit the waves; sweetie."

"I can't believe it," Kenny disgustedly spat, "You gonna let dis howlie take dat brand new board out and tear it up."

"You listen to me, Kenny," Max began, "I think..."

"Hold on, Max," I politely interrupted, "I don't need anyone to take up for me so; I've got this one, if you don't mind."

"Not at all," He knowingly laughed, "Be my guest, and his name is Kenny, by the way."

"Have I done something to offend you, Kenny?" I asked, "Because if I have, please tell me what it is so that I can apologize to you for it and make things right," Of course I was met with silence as he turned his head to look at the surf, seemingly trying to ignore me.

"Kenny," Max warned his young cousin, "You bettah ansah(answer) da man."

"Don't worry about it, Max," I smiled, winking at him, my back turned toward Kenny, "He's no different from the rest of the guys his age...chicken-shit assholes, every fucking one of them," and then I began to walk away.

I had taken three steps when I heard someone, Kenny, yell, "FUCK YOU, ASSHOLE," and then he jumped on my back from behind.

Knowing that he was of legal age, and therefore, responsible for his own actions, and also because I was only a couple of inches taller than he was, but near as heavy, I grabbed a hold of one of his arm with one hand, and then grabbed a big a handful of hair with my other hand. And then taking one step backwards; I bent over and threw him a good eight feet through the air, where he landed hard on the sand, knocking the wind out of him.

"Come on, bad ass," I laughed, once I was standing over him, "What're you going to do now, tough guy?"

"Dis, muddafukka," he quietly growled in Island slang, pulling a knife that he'd kept concealed up to that point, and then before I even saw the knife itself, Kenny had sunk a little less than half the length of it into my left thigh, a little less than seven to eight inches above my knee, "Go to hell, you fucking howlie."

My vision suddenly went white, and the last thing I remember was hearing Lelahni scream, "MICHAEL, NOOO..."

~~~~~~

When I came back to my senses, three things got my immediate attention. One, I was sitting on the tailgate of Max's El Camino, with a towel wrapped around my left leg just above my knee. Two, Kenny was lying in the sand, unconscious, with his right arm broken in two places below the elbow; and then last but most certainly not least, I could hear sirens coming closer by the second, indicating that an ambulance was on the way.

~~~~~~

NORTH SHORE MEDICAL CENTEROAHU, HAWAII

"I only had to put three stitches in," the Emergency Room Doctor smiled, "The knife didn't go deep enough to do any real damage."

"What about the kid with the broken arm," I inquired, "Is he okay?"

"Oh, you mean Mister Wannabe Bad Ass in the next room, with a compound fracture of his lower right arm?" the doctor laughed, "The police told me to sedate him before I set his arm. He was lucky that the break was clean, or otherwise he could've had some major complications, possibly needing surgery. It's very common when someone breaks their radius and ulna at the same time. Like I said, he was lucky that the break was clean..."

~~~~~~

"I'm so sorry about this, Michael," Lelahni sniffled, "I never thought Kenny would ever do something like that."

"You might want to check and see if he's using drugs," I told her, "All it takes is a simple urine test."

"Never mind him," she continued to sniffle, "What about your leg?"

"My leg will be just fine in a few days," I reassured her, "Don't worry about it, okay sweetie?"

"Are you alright," she asked, "Would you like me to get you a wheelchair so I can take you out of here?"

"No wheelchair, "I groaned, as I slowly stood for the first time since the doctor put the stitches in, "If you could find me a walking cane I'll be just fine..."

~~~~~~

"Uh, excuse me, sir," a policeman said, stopping us as Lelahni and I were about to leave the hospital, "We wanted to know if you would like to press charges against the man who stabbed you?"

"Charges," I inquired, "What kind of charges are we talking about here?"

"Assault with a deadly weapon, sir," he informed us, "It carries a minimum of three years in this state...and that includes first time offenders as well."

"I don't want this kid to go to prison," I said, "I think I have a better idea. Are the judges around here in favor of using rehabilitative measures in cases like this one?"

"I don't know," the officer replied, "I guess it all depends on the judge."

"Do me a favor," I asked him, "You gentlemen have the authority to run a drug screen on someone whoever's in your custody, yes?"

"Well, sure," he replied, "But I'm not real sure that..."

"Please," I politely interrupted, producing my military ID as well as showing him the indication, verifying that I was in The Teams, "Do me this one favor, and you never know, you're in a position to help someone, a kid, and keep them from further hurting others...please?"

"Alright," he smiled, "How do I get a hold of you to give you the results of the drug screen?" and then Lelahni immediately gave him that information...

~~~~~~

THREE DAYS LATER

"Bring the defendant forward," the judge ordered, "Counsel for the prosecution will now read the charges.

In this case: The state of Hawaii versus Kenneth Kapualani, the state took both urine and blood samples," announced the assistant district attorney, " And found the following, Marijuana, Cocaine, and Phenylcyclohexylpiperidine and/or Phencyclodine, commonly known on the street as PCP. We recommend that this case be bound over to the grand jury for trial, as this is a felony charge, your honor."

"Thank you, counselor," the judge replied, "Does anyone have anything else to add before I make a decision?"

"Uh, excuse me, your honor," I replied, using my cane as I slowly rose to my feet, "May I be allowed to speak, sir?"

"That all depends," the judge said, "Who are you?"

"This is the victim, your honor," the assistant district attorney informed him, "Master Chief Michael Walker, sir."

"Of course, Master Chief," the judge smiled, "You've earned the right to say anything you'd like."

"Thank you, your honor," I humbly replied, "It just so happens that I know Kenneth Kapualani's family, sir, and I'd like to suggest drug rehab as opposed to taking him to trial, where I have no doubt he'd face certain incarceration, sir."

"I see," the judge pondered, "And what guarantees can you give me that he won't be back in front of me six months from now?"

"None, sir," I honestly replied, "But you have good cause and reason to bind him over to the grand jury if he does; and besides, your honor, this kid has no priors, and I'm quite certain that the state of Hawaii has a first time felon program, do they not?"

"No," the judge cooly replied, "At least none that I know of."

"Then let's look at it another way, sir," I told him, "If you do this, and it's successful, and knowing the Kapualani family like I do, it most certainly will be; then when election time comes, the voters in this district will celebrate your re-election, your honor."

"Give me a little while to consider your proposal, Master Chief," he said, looking at his wrist watch, "This court is in recess until one o'clock. Mater Chief Walker, I'd like to see you in my chambers, please..."

~~~~~~

"You wanted to see me, your honor?" I asked, as I stood in his office.

"Master Chief Walker, please, come in and have a seat, son," the judge smiled, "I wanted to talk to you personally before I make any decision where Mister Kapualani is concerned."

"Thank you, sir," I smiled, slowly taking my seat, "What can I do for you, judge?"

"I'd like to ask you a couple of questions before I make my decision," the judge began, "Is that alright with you?"

"Ask whatever you'd like, your honor," I freely replied, "I'm an open book."

"Okay, here it comes then," he said, "Why aren't you stomping mad because this is the little bastard that stabbed you?"

"What good would it do?" I asked, "It won't take the situation away, it would only make it worse. Besides," and then I laughed, "Besides, that dumb ass kid got a broken arm out of the deal, and this is just a scratch. I had a couple of wounds that were a helluva lot worse than this in the last three years alone."

"I guess I can understand that," the judge chuckled, "Alright then, why are you standing up in this kid's defense when you know we've got him, hands down, on aggravate assault? It carries a minimum of three years and by law, I'm supposed to give him that."

"I see, your honor," I respectfully replied, "But the constitution that I defend says that you are a law maker, sir."

"That's right," he suddenly smiled, "It sure does, doesn't it?" Then he grinned at me and excitedly said, "I've got some research to do before court reconvenes, if you'll please excuse me, Master Chief?"

"No problem, sir," I smiled, rising to my feet, "I'll see you at one o'clock, your honor," and then I left his office without looking back...

~~~~~~

"What did the judge say, Michael?" Lelahni asked me, while Max waited with us, "Is everything alright?"

After I informed them of my conversation with the judge, I looked at Lelahni and told her, "I've done everything I can; the rest is up to God."

~~~~~~

"I do hereby sentence you, Kenneth Kapualani, to thirty days in a drug rehabilitative unit of this court's choosing," the judge announced, "And after you've completed the program; you will appear before me for further evaluation...case pending," and then he banged his gavel down upon its pedestal, "Next case, please..."

~~~~~~

LATER THAT AFTERNOON4:30 PM

"That was a very noble thing you did in court today, Michael," Lelahni appreciatively, "You really didn't have to do it ya know."

"I have no idea what you're talking about," I smiled, feigning ignorance, "If you want to thank someone, thank the judge...not me."

"You can say what you want," she sweetly replied, leaning over and gently kissing me on the cheek, "But you and I both know better."

I was about to say something when I suddenly heard a knock on the door of our hotel suite. With the exception of Lelahni and me, only the hotel staff and security guards had access to the upper floors that had the suites so; you can imagine both the shock, as well as the surprise I felt when Lelahni opened the door and Max and Kenny were standing there.

"Please don't be angry, Mastah Chief," Kenny humbly said, before anyone else had the chance to speak, "But I gotta go to rehab in two hours, and I wanted to come by here and apologize to you for what I did. I also wanna thank you for what you told the judge. I swear to you on my family's name, that I won't make you sorry you did it.

As I looked at him standing there with his right arm in a sling, and his face looking like it had been used as a punching target for a prize fighter, I smiled and said, "Please, you guys, come in and have a seat...and the name is Mike, okay?"

~~~~~~

"So, like I said," Max grinned, "As soon as your leg starts to heal up, we'll get you out on the new surfboard."

"You're gonna love, too, bra," Kenny excitedly smiled, "It's got a sparrow tail with fins at each apex...I designed it myself," and ten he began to blush.

As this was the first time I saw him when he wasn't trying to be a hard ass, I discovered a pretty brilliant kid overall. I don't know what made him act the way he did towards me at first, well, actually I do and it was the drugs, but it no longer mattered. Oh, and after having asked Lelahni what the word "Howlie" meant, and found out that it simply meant "not us", it was then that I chose to light heartedly tease Kenny with it.

"Hey, Kenny," I said, "I needed to ask you something."

"You guys told me that you used all of the traditional Hawaiian shaping methods when you made this board," I inquired, "Am I right?"

"Of course, bra," he grinned, "That stick gonna be great for you, Mike."

"That's good to know, I grinned, "Because it seems that us howlies need all the help we can get, yeah?"

All at once his face turned bright red, and then after a moment's consideration, he grinned from ear-to-ear and told me, "Yeah brudda, even for a howlie like you," and of course we all laughed.

All too soon the time had come for Kenny to go to rehab, and before he left, he and I shook hands, burying the hatchet that was once between us.

"You take care, Mike," Kenny grinned, "Maybe you still be here when I get outta rehab?"

"I don't know," I honestly told him, "But it would sure be ice if I could...in the mean time, don't worry about what's going on out here. I want you to honor your family by concentrating on you, and only you, for at least the next thirty days, okay?"

"I'll do da right thing," he smiled, "I promise."

"That's good enough for me," I smiled, "Good luck my friend."

~~~~~~

"I need to tell you something, Michael," Lelahni sweetly smiled, as she sat next to me on the couch, "You are a very kind and tender man; and I can see why your heart is broken from losing your fiend."

"Is that right?" I asked, "I sure wish that I could see it; then maybe I wouldn't feel like I'm missing a part of myself."

"I've noticed a very rare and wonderful quality that exists within you," she softly began, "When you give of yourself, you give your whole self, and don't leave any part of it for you."

"So, what," I said, "That's the only way I know how to give...besides, what's wrong with that?"

"Nothing at all," Lelahni gently replied, "I was only going to tell you that that was the reason it takes you longer to heal than most people...in other words...sometimes our selflessness, regardless of how beautiful the act, can also be our undoing if we're not real careful."

"Maybe you're right," I replied, everything suddenly starting to make sense, "If anything that sounds more reasonable than any other explanation I've heard so far."

"And by doing what you did for my cousin, Kenny," she smiled, "That was the first step on the path to recovery, Michael."

"That's nice," I smiled, "Now if my leg would only stop hurting..."

~~~~~~

The next morning I woke early, and because I hadn't done it in a couple of days, I attempted to try a morning run. However, while my leg wasn't hurting after the first hundred yards, it soon began to burn, indicating that I'd either popped a stitch, or it was bleeding, one of the two. I stopped to look and sure enough my bandages were slowly becoming soaked in my own blood.

"Lelahni's gonna be real pissed off at me for this," I said, to no one; and then it occurred to me. Why was I concerned with what she thought, and what were the implications of such thoughts? As I began walking back to the hotel, she haunted my thoughts, telling me that she and I most definitely needed to talk....

~~~~~~

Because it been ingrained into my head from the time I finished Hospitalman "A" School, and, because it had simply become a habit; I carried my Unit-One (A Corpsman's Emergency Medical Pack) everywhere I went. So, the moment I got back to my hotel suite, receiving some very strange looks from some of the people in the lobby; I went straight to my bedroom, retrieving my Unit-One and taking it into the living room where I could see better.

"Oh, my God, Michael," Lelahni screeched, when she saw my bloody bandages, "What happened?"

"I think I popped a stitch," I chuckled, "It's no big deal...oh, and do me a favor. Call down to maintenance and tell them to bring a bottle of PVC pipe glue up here, will you please?"

"No big deal," she gasped, "Michael, you're bleeding."

"I'm okay, Lelahni, I swear," I told her, "Please call maintenance for me. okay?"

"I'll call him," she said, shaking her head and beginning to smile, "But I think you're crazy not to go see a doctor."

"A doctor," I teased, as she was dialing the phone, "I'm the best doctor I know..."

~~~~~~

After I'd removed the bandages from my leg and had thoroughly cleansed the wound, I could that I had indeed popped not only one stitch, but two of the three that the emergency room doctor had put in. With Lelahni cringing every time I did it, I ended up removing all three stitches, and then gently patted the wound to wipe up any excess blood that had seeped out during the stitch removal.

"Have you lost your mind?" Lelahni worriedly asked, "There are reasons that the doctor put stitches in your leg to start with ya know."

"You worry too much," I grinned, "Trust me, sweetie...you'll see," and almost as if he could read my mind, one of the hotel's maintenance men knocked on the door not two seconds later.

"I'm here with the glue," he professionally replied, also carrying a heavy tool belt, "Do you folks have a leaky pipe?"

"Not at all," I smiled, "But you got the glue and that's what's important..."

~~~~~~

"Michael," Lelahni scolded, "You're going to do no such thing."

"Listen to me," I told her, "The PVC pipe glue will not only completely seal this wound on my leg, but it wall also guarantee that no germs will able to get in there and infect it."

"He's right, ma'am," the maintenance man approvingly smiled, "We also use this stuff to seal water pipes with so; there's no way that anything's getting into his wound..."

~~~~~~

THREE DAYS LATER

"Those were some nice moves, bro," Max smiled, as I swam ashore after having finished surfing a nice sized, fifteen foot wave, "Tomorrow I'm gonna take you to the pipeline and see how you do there."

"I sure wish Kenny was here to see this," I grinned, "I'll bet he'd be real proud."

"Look over there," Max grinned, pointing behind me where Lelahni stood behind a rather large video camera, mounted atop a tri-pod, "He'll see it when he gets out..."

~~~~~~

All too soon though, my days of R & R in Hawaii had come to an end, and when I left there, I left feeling like a brand new person. Granted, there were still some demons that I yet to face, but my overall outlook had improved greatly, and Danny's death, while it would always be something I would never forget, didn't hurt nearly as bas as it had when I first arrived in Hawaii.




A Promise Kept Ch. 04



As far as my relationship with Lelahni was concerned, she turned out to be an angel unaware, a muse of sorts, but most of all, she was a very kind and gentle friend...It was then that I saw the wisdom in Admiral White sending me there to begin with...

~~~~~~

Chapter Four

THE PRESENT

"Poor baby," Kara sleepily sighed, hugging me, "Lelahni was right about you. That's why you're such a sweetie."

"Yes, you are," Jayne softly smiled, wrapping her arms around Kara and me, "And I love you guys so much."

~~~~~~

The next morning at work was a Monday, and with it came something nice. When I walked into the gym to begin class with my girls, Kara, Jayne, Talia Genaro, as well as the Lynch twins, all stood in a group each one of them with knowing grins on their faces. Needless to say the rest of the girls in the class each wore some kind of grin, or smirk, making me realize that they were all up to something.

"Alright, ladies," I chuckled, "Come on, what gives?"

All of a sudden, the afore mentioned group of girls all parted to reveal that my baby sister, Brittany, was standing there looking more beautiful than I could ever recall her being. Somewhere in the process in the process I felt my heart slowly mend a little more than it had been as of late.

"Hi, big brother," she happily sniffled, "I sure have missed seeing you," and then she ran into my arms, crying, as I held her tightly against me, tears silently pouring down my own cheeks.

"It's good to see you," I finally smiled, gently holding her back so that I could look at her now perfect, beautiful face, "God, Brit, you look so pretty, I mean you've always looked pretty, but you look even more beautiful now."

"I think I get the point, big brother," she good naturedly teased me, eliciting laughter from my girls, Kara and Jayne included, "I'm glad you think I'm pretty. It means a lot to me to hear you tell me that, Mikey. Because I know that you would never lie to me."

"That's right, baby girl," I smiled, hugging her once again, "Never in a million years."

All at once I heard a chorus of female voices gently say, "Awww, how sweet," followed by sniffles from every single one of them, bar none.

"I need to start class, Brit," I smiled, gently pulling away from here, "Stick around, because I want to talk to you some more if you have the time."

"Of course, Mikey," she sweetly replied, "I've always got time for my big brother, and she scurried away, taking a seat next in the lower bleachers.

"Alright, ladies," I announced, "We have a tournament coming up this weekend, does anyone have any questions?"

"Excuse me, Coach," Jillian Hendrix, my highest ranking black belt, asked, "I was wondering if you would look at a technique that I've been working on for the tournament."

"Of course," I replied, "Would you care to demonstrate?"

"Sure," she knowingly winked at the class, "I want you to be the opponent, okay?"

"Not a problem," I cockily grinned, "Meet me on the mat, please."

~~~~~~

With Kara as acting referee, Jillian and I began to spar. She came in with several good combinations, which, had been lacking in experience, she would've received more than several points. However, it was when we squared off for the second time that she stung me. She had her right foot out front, and when she raised it, I thought that she was coming in for a body kick, and I blocked accordingly. What I didn't expect was for her to suddenly draw her foot back, and then quickly sweep it over the top of my guard to tag me in the face for two points; and losing my balance in the process, I fell onto my ass.

"Uh, excuse me, Coach," Kara smirked, the rest of the class laughing like fools, "But I believe that counts as two points."

"You shut up," I playfully grumbled, "That wasn't funny."

"Sorry about that, Coach," Jillian playfully smirked, "How was that?"

"I don't think I need to answer that, young lady," I grinned, "The fact that you knocked me onto my ass, gaining two points in the process ought to tell you something, shouldn't it?"

After that little "incident" was forgotten, the girls spent the rest of the time preparing for the up and coming tournament that was about to take place in the next few days. All twelve of my girls each had their own personalized style of attack, and the best part about it all was that they were all very strong, aggressive fighters; I tried to teach them that being aggressive was fine, but to also maintain control...

~~~~~~

"Hello Coach," Gavin Phelps smiled, knocking on my door after class was out, "I've got some good news, and some not so good news; which one would you care to hear first?"

"Give me the bad news first," I told him, "That way, the good news will put me back in a good mood."

"Tommy Powers and his three friends, Rick Blaylock, Jimmy Cooper, and David Burns are no longer in custody," he told me, "Some bail bondsman out of Oklahoma poster their bail; but you can be damn sure that I've made sure that there are at least two of my men watching each one of them at all times until their trial. They won't hurt anyone...I promise you that. My men all have standing orders to shoot to kill if necessary."

"Fuck...and I'll bet old Clayton Powers himself put up the money," I disgustedly replied, "What's the good news?"

"The two men that bombed your house, James Kindle, and Howard Nash, accepted a plea bargain of five years as opposed to life without possibility in exchange for testifying against Robert Dresden," he told me, "The public defender cut a deal with the D. A's Office just this morning so; the Grand Jury will be handing down an indictment on Dresden in the next few days."

"That's great," I smiled, my good mood immediately returning, "If that's the case, then who is going to head the Board of Regents here at the U of H?"

"It seems that a gentleman named, James Peel, has been asked to step in to temporarily fill that role," he said, "I've never met him, but I've been assured by a very reliable source that he's an extremely trustworthy person, not to mention, a very good man."

"That's great," I happily grinned, "I can't wait to meet him,"

"I'm very happy that you feel that way, Tommy," Gavin knowingly grinned, "Because Mister Peel said the same thing about you, when he found out that I knew you when he and I spoke earlier."

"Hell, Gavin," I laughed, "Set up a meeting, I guess..."

~~~~~~

THE NEXT DAY

Because of the fact that I had no classes that morning, Detective Gavin Phelps accompanied me to meet with Dr. James Peel, acting Chairman, of the Board of Regents over the University of Houston. He was somewhere in his early to mid fifties, I'd say, and stood roughly the same height as Gavin Phelps. It was obvious that he was a very highly educated man, as I saw the diplomas and certificates, covering two walls of his office when we first walked in.

"Come in, gentlemen," he warmly greeted us, "Please have a seat. Can I offer you guys something to drink?"

"No," I replied, "But thank for offering, sir."

"Not a problem, Master Chief Walker," he smiled, "What about you, Detective?"

"I'm good for now," Gavin smiled, "But thanks just the same, Doctor Peel."

"Gentlemen, please," he said, "Call me James."

"Thank you, James," Gavin smiled, "It's nice to meet you."

"Alright, then," he smiled, "I'll get right to the point of why I wanted to meet with you, Master Chief Walker."

"That sounds fair enough," I said, "But you can call me Mike, just like everyone else does...okay James?"

"Okay, Mike," he chuckled, "I understand that a member of your family was very seriously assaulted not too long ago. Would mind telling me what happened?"

"Not at all," I began, "Tommy Powers, and three of his friends brutally raped and beat my little sister within an inch of her life, and now that I've recently discovered that they're out of bond, they'd better grow eyes in the backs of the fucking heads, pardon my language."

"It's quite alright," James told me, "I would've fucked them up, too, if they'd touched my sister so; there's no need to apologize to me for anything you say, Mike. My only question is if there's anything that I can do to help?"

"Not at the moment," I said, "The little bastards are somewhere licking their wounds, right now. However, the moment they're out in the open, I'm going to personally take them down myself...as well as Old man Powers...you know, the retired Judge."

"I know Clayton Powers only too well, Mike," Peel warned, "Be very careful though, he may be old, but he is still extremely dangerous."

"Without going into too much detail," I said, "I think there's something you should know about me before this goes any further."

"Okay," James asked, "What is it that you want me to know?"

"Anderson Clayton Powers doesn't scare me one bit," I said, "Because when the time comes, and I assure you it will...I'm going to destroy his entire bloodline, and not think twice about it."

"Be careful, Mike," Peel warned me again, "Like I just said, that old man is dangerous."

"So am I, Doctor Peel," I strongly replied, "So am I..."

~~~~~~

THAT AFTERNOON

I'd just finished teaching my last class, and was about to leave my main office and head to my office in the gym when a knock on my office door got my immediate attention. It was Rick Blaylock, one of the assholes who'd raped and beaten my sister.

"You got a lot of balls, you little bastard," I growled, as I stood, ready to spring at the slightest suggestion of attack, "What the fuck are you doing here, dammit?"

"Easy," he quietly replied, backing away from me with his hands raised, "I'm not here to make trouble...I'm here to warn you that Tommy Powers is coming into the gym to face you, one on one today, and I wanted you to be ready."

"Why would you do that for me," I asked, "Especially after what you motherfuckers did to my little sister? I ought to kill you right here," and then my temper got the best of me, and I sprung onto him, grabbing him in a sleeper hold.

"Please, wait," he gasped, trying to pull my arm from around his neck, "I never touched your sister...I swear it...I just drove the car, that's all."

"I swear to God that I will kill you if you're lying to me," I spat, releasing him, and then pushing him to the ground. Then I reached down and grabbed him up by the hair and told him, "You're coming with me, asshole..."

~~~~~~

"When I got to the gym, I can't begin to explain my surprise when I'd heard a male voice screaming out in pain; and then I felt absolute joy when, after dragging Rick Blaylock by the hair behind me as I ran to the gym, and then found Tommy Powers laying out cold on the gym floor with Kara standing over him yelling, "GET UP, ASSHOLE, I DARE YOU."

"Well, well, what have we here?" I laughed, when I walked over to where Kara was standing, and much to my delight, discovered that I'd been mistaken, and Tommy Powers had not been knocked out and was still very wide awake. He was simply afraid of getting up and getting his ass kicked...again...and by a female at that.

"I told him to leave, Michael,." Kara said, "He took a swing at me so; I took his little dumb ass down for it, and now he's too chicken shit to get up..."

~~~~~~

"We searched his car and found two illegal handguns," Gavin Phelps smiled, "Now we've got something to keep the little son-of a bitch behind bars for a while longer, at least."

"Good," I chuckled, "You just saved that boy's life, because if he comes back here I think Kara will seriously hurt his ass the next time."

"Oh, yeah, I almost forgot," Gavin laughed, "Did Kara really kick his ass the way Tommy Powers claimed? He tried to file assault charges against her ya know."

"I didn't know that," I smiled, "What's going to happen with that?"

"Nothing," Gavin grinned, "I laughed like hell when the little bastard told me what she did to him, and then told him that he damn well deserved whatever he got. My only regret is that I wasn't here to see it."

"Me, too," I laughed, "All I got to do was hear the son of a bitch scream."

Meanwhile, I had Kara, as well as the rest of the girls in my Karate class keeping a watch over Rick Blaylock, because I wasn't finished questioning his ass...

~~~~~~

"I want you to tell me everything you know about Tommy Powers," I told Rick Blaylock, as he sat in a chair, surrounded by every single one of my girls, each of them ready to stomp his ass if he so much as flinched, "If you don't, I'm going to turn these girls loose on you, and keep in mind that every single one of them has been trained in the art of how to tear your punk ass to pieces. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, sir," he gulped, "I'm not here to make trouble Mister Walker, I swear."

"You said that you came to warn me," I began, "And Tommy did exactly what you said he was going to do, which compels me to trust you...for now. So; it's time for you to keep that trust by telling me everything you know..."

He began to talk, and over a period of an hour and twenty minutes, Rick Blaylock told me everything that he knew of the now infamous Tommy Powers. He even told me the floor plan of the house where Tommy lived with not only his parents, but also the evil retired judge Anderson Clayton Powers, the boy's great uncle. And as far as the eldest Powers went Rick revealed the old man's secret network of different people, some of them holding pretty high offices within the state government, which he'd paid off over the years; and/or was still on his payroll.

The worst of these was none other than Tommy Powers' father, Donald Powers Junior, who, when his father, Donald Powers Senior was killed due to his involvement with the infamous crime family, the Gambinos; became the legal council to Old Clayton Powers himself. Once Blaylock had finished confessing his sins, he asked to speak with me privately.

~~~~~~

"So, what're you going to do with me now?" he asked me, in the privacy of my office, "I sure don't want to die."

"Relax, kid," I told him, "I'm not going to kill you; but you're still going to have to answer for your involvement with what happened to my sister. However, seeing that you've helped me the way you have, it's possible that you might get a break, but you have to promise me one thing."

"Name it," Blaylock desperately replied, "I'll do anything you ask..."

~~~~~~

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Gavin asked Blaylock, as he placed a wire beneath the boy's shirt, "You're taking a big risk ya know."

"I don't care," he defiantly replied, "I wanna do whatever it takes to make up for what happened to Brittany Walker."

"You're a very brave kid," I admirably told him, "I'll give you that much."

"This is not about bravery," he said, "I wanna see those asshole pay for the shit that they've been getting away with for too long now..."

~~~~~~

THAT NIGHT

"So," Kara asked me that evening, "Did Rick Blaylock tell you everything that you wanted to know?"

"He sure did," I grinned, "We'll have that whole family behind bars in no time. Maybe then the people around here can relax and get on with their daily lives without having to live in fear of those assholes."

"I want you to be careful," she warned me, "Old Clayton Powers is a very dangerous man."

"Everybody keeps telling me that," I replied, "But I don't fear that old motherfucker one bit..."

~~~~~~

"Michael, wake up," Kara cautiously whispered, waking me later that night, "There's someone outside. I can hear them moving around."

"Go down the hall and stay with Jayne," I quietly said, reaching under my bed and retrieving my old Service Issue Colt .45 Automatic pistol, "I'll be back in a little while...oh, don't forget to call the police."

~~~~~~

I quietly slipped out of the back door and made my way around the house trying to find out whom, or what Kara had heard moving about. I hadn't been outside for more than a minute or two, when I suddenly felt the muzzle of a weapon being placed behind my ear, while at the same time, I heard a male voice tell me, "Put your hands in the air. One false move and I'll blow your fucking head off asshole."

I did as I was told, however; when whomever it was that had pulled their weapon on me made the mistake of grabbing my hand in order to restrain me; I knew that God had given me the chance of self redemption.

I quickly grabbed the "would be" assailant in a thumb lock, making him drop the pistol he'd been holding to my head. And then when I turned around and found that he was wearing a ski mask, I quickly snatched it off of his face to discover that it was none other than Tommy Powers' father, Donald Powers, Junior. As opposed to immediately taking him out, I kicked him in the face several times until I was able to take the handcuffs that he'd apparently brought to use on me, and then place them on him, restraining with his hands behind his back, holding him until the police arrived.

"Who sent you, asshole?" I angrily asked him.

"Fuck you," he spat, "I'm not telling you a God damn thing."

"Is that right?" I asked, suddenly back fisting him in the face, knocking him out of the chair that he'd been placed in, "You want to try again, shit head?"

"You can't do this to me," he said, spitting blood out where I'd hit him in the mouth, "I know my rights."

"Is that right?" I laughed, this time lightly kicking him in the face just enough to give him a good shiner the next day, "Well let me tell you something Councilor. Until the cops get here, you have no rights. Do you understand me, you son of a bitch?"

~~~~~~

"Damn if they're not getting bolder," Gavin grimly replied, on his arrival, "You're no longer safe by yourselves so; that's why I'm going to put my two best men on you at all times."

"That's not necessary, Gavin," I told him, "As you can see, I'm more than capable of taking care of myself, as well as Kara and Jayne."

"I know that all too well," Gavin laughed, "But I'm asking you to please do this for me...I'll sleep a whole lot better, Mike."

"Alright," I relented, "But they'd better be good."

"They are," Gavin reassured us, "Both of these guys are SWAT officers, and they're two of the best on the whole force..."

~~~~~~

So, that's how it went. The police pulled shifts watching my house for the ten days following the incident involving Donald Powers until the day before Robert Dresden went to trial. The two men whom he'd hired to bomb our house, James Kindle and Howard Nash; were both ready to testify against him, guaranteeing that Dresden would get a sentence of at least twenty-five years to life.

However, what none of us knew was that Dr. Robert Dresden, too, had cut a deal with the District Attorney's Office, and was going to turn State's evidence against the evil Clayton Powers, therefore making himself a living target. We also found out that as soon as he testified, he and his whole family were going into the witness protection program. It was the first time I'd ever known anyone who had done what Dresden was preparing to do.

If you asked me though, I'd tell you that the "Good Old Boy Bullshit" that had been happening around there for the better part of the past fifty years looked like it was in the process of being totally and completely brought to en end. I only hoped that there would be no violence of any kind.

When I use the term "Good Old Boy Bullshit" I'm speaking of a group of men that had been friends since they were all very young. And because of the fact that his family was wealthy, Clayton Powers more or less usurped his place as the leader of the group of assholes that had been giving me grief ever since I first arrived on campus that year.

However, it wasn't like they attacked me without provocation; no. This whole thing stemmed from the fact that I'd put the hurt on Tommy's little ass for being not only a trouble maker, but now even moreso because of what he'd done to my sister, Brittany. And while I know that what I'm about to say is wrong, but I couldn't wait for the day that I would be able to take retribution not only for breaking the law where he attacked me on campus at the U of H, but I was especially anxious to make him pay for the crimes he and his punk ass friends had committed against my family.




A Promise Kept Ch. 04



I only hoped that I was the one who would be there when the time came for Tommy Powers to answer for his sins. However, if it was God's will that I face him, I prayed that I would have enough control so as not to kill him. But then again, his life meant very little to me at that time; and if he so much as even acted like he was going to attack, then it would be best that he go ahead and give his soul to God...because the rest of his little punk Ass belonged to me...and I was going to make him pay dearly if I ever got my hands on him....

~~~~~~

TWO WEEKS LATER

Dr. Robert Dresden had gone to trial, and after he was found guilty, he was taken to a prison somewhere out of state to do his time, (Two Years) where afterward he and his family would go into the witness protection program.

The day was Monday and after having already fought in one Karate tournament, each of them winning first place in their individual weight classes; my girls were preparing for their next tournament, which was taking place on the up and coming Saturday. To say that I was merely proud of my girls was one the biggest understatements in the whole wide world. I was not only proud of them; I was ecstatic and bragging on my girls at every given opportunity...

~~~~~~

Chapter Five

That night when I got home, Kara and Jayne met me at the door, Jayne carrying a cup of coffee for me, while Kara handed me a tumbler full of Jim Beam™ bourbon to pour into my coffee.

"Welcome home, baby," Kara cooed, gently kissing my lips, "I love you."

"Thank you, my sweet," I smiled, "I love you, too."

"I hope you like the coffee, Michael," Jayne sweetly smiled, then leaned over and kissed me on the cheek, "And I love you, too, just not like Kara does."

"I know you do, Jayne sweetie," I warmly replied, gently placing my arm around her waist and hugging her, "I love you, too..."

~~~~~~

I could tell that Kara and Jayne had been busy in the kitchen by the aroma that wafted into the den where I sat and sipped my Jim Beam and coffee. Another thing that Jim Beam is well suited for and that's analgesic relief from aching muscles, as well as being a good stress reliever, too.

"I don't what you two are cooking in there," I told Kara and Jayne, "But it smells absolutely heavenly. What is it?"

"It's a surprise," Kara grinned, "But I'll give you a hint and tell you that I got the recipe from your Mom."

"Jeez, it could be anything," I teased, "How about another hint?"

"Nope," Jayne knowingly smiled, "You'll just have to wait until we're finished, Mister Smart ass."

"Jayne's right," Kara teased, "You are a smart ass and would have it figured out in no time if we gave you another hint."

"Come on now," I grinned, "Ya'll are too damned pretty to be so mean."

"We're not trying to be mean, Michael," Jayne giggled, "It's just that Kara is right...you're too smart for your own good sometimes," and then her little comment was followed by a barrage of female laughter...

~~~~~~

The surprise dinner turned out to be Frito© Pie, one of my all time favorite things to eat when I was a young boy, and to say that it tasted great would be another of many understatements that has been made throughout the telling of this tale.

"So, tell me, baby," Kara asked, after I'd taken the first bite, "How does it taste, sweetheart?"

"Shh," I quietly grinned, "I'm having an orgasm," which again, was followed by another barrage of female laughter.

"You're so silly," Kara laughed, "But I love you so much."

"I love you, too, Michael," Jayne grinned, still giggling, "But guys are can be really sick sometimes," after which she and Kara, again, fell into another fit of female laughter, only this time, they each rose from their seats to come around to my side of the table, throwing their arms around me, still smiling and snickering.

"We love you, Michael honey," Kara softly smiled.

"Mmm, hmm," Jayne gently cooed, "We sure do..."

~~~~~~

That next morning when I got to my office and was preparing to teach my first morning class, the phone on my desk rang, as I picked it up part way through the third ring.

"This is Coach Walker," I answered, "Can I help you?"

"Wow, big brother," my sister, Brittany giggled on the other end, "You sound so official."

"I assume you have an important reason for calling me at work," I teased, "Otherwise it sounds like you're calling to waste my time, girlie."

"Gimme a break," she playfully groaned, "You don't have to be at the gym for at least another thirty minutes, so; quit bitching."

"Whatever," I grinned, "Seriously though, what can I do for you, Britt?"

"I was wondering if it would be alright if I came over to ya'll's house this evening?" she sweetly asked, "I need to speak with you privately about something that I doesn't necessarily need to be talked about over the telephone, okay? Besides, it's really important...please, Mikey?"

"Okay, baby girl," I gently replied, "I'll be home around five-thirty so; if you could get here somewhere between six-thirty, or seven o'clock; that'll be fine, okay?"

"That sounds good to me," she replied smiling, "Thank you, big brother...I appreciate this more than you could ever know."

"Aw, you know that you're always welcome at my house, Britt," I told her, "At least I hope that you know that anyway."

"I do know," she softly replied, "And thank you again, Michael. That's just another one of the many reasons that I love you, big brother..."

~~~~~~

That night will forever remain one of the sweetest moments that I remember ever spending with my sweet and precious little sister, Brittany. Of course she and I had always been close growing up so; there were many tender and very loving moments that I spent around Brittany. However, this particular night remains at the top of the list of experiences I'd shared with her over the years...

~~~~~~

THAT NIGHTFRIDAY 6:42 PM

"Hello there, my soon to be sister," Brittany smiled, as Kara opened the front door of the house to let Brittany in, "It seems like forever since I last saw you...well, except for the other day in the gym. How are you, sweetheart?"

"Mmm, I'm doing great," Kara purred, as she and Brittany hugged one another, "How in the world are you doing, Britt?"

"I'm a little bit worried," Brittany quietly replied, "That's why I wanted to talk to you guys. I heard something about Tommy Powers that I think you guys should be made aware of."

"Come on in," Kara smiled, "We were just deciding on what to cook for dinner."

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Britt asked, "I really don't mind at all."

"Nonsense," Jayne smiled, walking into the foyer at the front door to greet Brittany, "You're a guest, and guests shouldn't be made to help in the kitchen."

"Hi, Jaynie, sweetie," Brittany delightfully squealed, throwing her arms around Jayne's neck and giving her a gentle hug, "It's been too long since I've seen you, girl. How have you been?"

"I've doing well, Britt," Jayne widely smiled, returning the hug, "Thank you so much for asking..."

~~~~~~

"Hi, Mikey," Britt smiled, as she sat down next to me on the couch and laid her head on my shoulder, "I love you."

"I love you, too," I told her, "Now what is so important that you couldn't talk to me about it over the phone?"

"It's Tommy Powers," she dreadfully replied, "He's been making some God awful threats, Michael. A friend of mine told me that Tommy said that at his earliest opportunity...he was going to kill you and Kara."

"Bullshit," I laughed, "He's just pissed off because he got his ass beat by a girl."

"Oh, my God," Brittany smiled, "My only regret is that I didn't get to see it...that would've been funny as hell."

"He only got hit twice," Kara snickered, "I hit him; and then he hit the ground."

"I don't know," Jayne warned, "We all know that he's crazy, you guys. I think that maybe you two should take what seems like bullshit to you right now, a little more serious."

"I agree with Jayne," Brittany said, and then her eyes suddenly filled with tears as she gently took my arm and sniffled, "That fucker is crazy, Michael...and I think you'd better find a way to stop him before he has the chance to follow through on his threat. Besides, my friend said that Tommy had a very strange look in his eyes, and that he was acting like he was on some kind of drug, or something."

"All the more reason not to worry," I said, "He's a dope head and that says it all. Relax, ya'll are making a mountain out of a mole hill."

"Did you, or did you not say that people who use drugs are very unstable people, Michael?" Kara suddenly asked me, as I nodded, "Alright then, I think that we should listen to both Brittany and Jayne. Besides, in a combat situation, wouldn't the information that Britt brought to us be called a pretty damn accurate intelligence report?"

"Alright, you ladies win," I finally conceded. Then I looked at Kara and reminded her, "We have the tournament tomorrow with the girls at T.S.U. (Texas Southern University), and, we're going to be fighting on their turf."

"You'd better be careful, Michael," Brittany warned, "I'm not trying to sound like a racist, but you know that Texas Southern University is primarily black don't you?"

"Of course," I ignorantly replied, "What does that have to do with anything?"

"I went to the TSU campus to get a book that we didn't have in the bookstore here at the U of H," she began, "And out of curiosity, I wandered over to the their gym to have a look at their Karate team. You wouldn't believe the things that their coach was telling those girls. He said, and I quote, "You're going to be fighting a bunch of weak ass white girls, and if you don't win your competition...then you'll answer to me after the tournament is over. There is no room for weakness on this team, no room for forgiveness on this team, and last but not least; there is NO room for mercy either." Those girls are big and mean looking, too, Michael so; be sure you tell our girls to be careful, okay?"

"He said that, huh?" I asked, as Brittany nodded her head, making me pick up the phone and start dialing, "Don't you worry your pretty little self about it anymore, Britt. I'm going to put a stop to this shit before it ever gets started..."

~~~~~~

What I'd done was called a friend of mine who was not only a member of the Board of Directors for the N.C.A.A., but also the A.A.U. Her name was Patricia Sawyer, and her Grandfather, Granville M. Sawyer, in whom the Regents at T.S.U. named their auditorium after, was basically one of the founding fathers of the athletics program there, and was instrumental in making sure that young black athletes had just as fair of an opportunity in being accepted by both organizations as young white athletes did...Not to mention her entire family is African American...which, the color of someone's skin has never once mattered to me, as I've encountered people from all over the world.

Still though, even back then there was racial prejudice amongst the white and black people in Texas, and anyone who ever lived there back in the time period I'm talking about knows exactly what I mean. Granted, I always thought that if someone was prejudiced, then that meant that they hated everyone, not just black people. Either way, it sucks, and I'm not only ashamed of them, but I pity anyone who let that particular outlook on life overtake them to begin with.

However, I wasn't worried about any of that occurring, hence the reason I called Patricia to begin with. I knew that she would put a stop to anything prejudicial from happening, whether it done by an athlete, coach, or staff. And knowing her like I did, she would more than likely see to it that anyone acting like that would be either fined, disqualified, or both...She was a no nonsense girl when it came to business, hence the reason she always received my utmost respect

~~~~~~

THE NEXT DAY

"Michael," Patricia smiled, waving her arms in the parking lot as me, Kara, and I guess now our girls pulled up in a minibus, sporting the U of H logo on the sides, "Hello, handsome, how are you?"

"Hi, pretty lady," I grinned, hugging her, "It's so good to see you."

"Oh my," Patricia smiled, when she saw Kara come off of the bus behind me and take my hand, "Who is this beautiful woman beside you?"

"Hi, Ms. Sawyer," Kara cordially smiled, as the two women shook hands, "Michael's told me a lot about you, and I must say that I'm very honored to meet you."

"Girl, please," Patricia delightfully giggled, taking Kara into her arms and hugging her, "My name is Patricia and not Ms. Sawyer; and from looking at how beautiful you are, it looks like Michael has finally met his match."

"Excuse me for asking," Kara smiled, "But Michael never told me how you two know each other."

"That's easy," Patricia grinned, taking my arm, "If it weren't for Michael, I would've never made it through Hospital Corpsman School when he and I were in the Navy together."

"Please," I laughed, "You were smart enough to pass that class all on your own. All I did was to show you that you should study during the week, and chase guys on the weekend."

By this time, Patricia's pretty golden cheeks were beginning to turn pink in embarrassment, and after playfully smacking me on the arm, she laughed and said, "And you shouldn't tell everything you know either."

"Sorry darlin," I laughed, "But you started it this time..."

~~~~~~

After I'd got all my girls registered, and had been given our own locker rooms, I called them all together to speak to them.

"Okay girls, there are a few things I want to say to you before you get suited up," I began, "Let me start by telling you all how proud of you that Coach Matlock and me are. You girls are all good girls, and when you go out there to fight, I want you to not only give it everything you've got, but above all, I want to be fair, okay?"

Because Jillian Hendricks was the highest ranking black belt among them, I knew that she'd been voted the one to speak for all of my girls when she stood up and said, "We want you and Coach Matlock to be proud of us, Coach Walker. But we've all heard how mean the girls here are, and I'm speaking for all of us when I say that we're not gonna put up with any of their shit. While we don't intend on breaking any rules, we're not going to let any of those girls get away with shot. Do you understand, Coach?"

"Of course I do," I chuckled, "But if you're gonna do anything that will cost you a point, I want you to make damn sure that the referee doesn't see it."

"You got it, Coach..."

~~~~~~

Because of the fact that, and I didn't know it at the time, Jillian Hendricks was reigning champion, it mean that she'd only have to fight ion the final bout. However, just because she didn't have to fight but one time, it didn't mean that she was standing ringside at every match.

When the first match took place, it was between Emma McNealy, and a girl from Rice University named Helen Young. It was a good clean fight, both girls were black belts; however, Helen didn't have the experience fighting in the ring. Emma, on the other hand, was used to being in the ring, and being as good as she was, she took the match ninety seconds into the first round by getting Helen into a submission hold that made her tap out.

And again, because of her experience; Emma refused to get excited prematurely, as she still had more matches to fight. Speaking of fighting, not all of my girls were competing in the ring, only Emma McNealy, Pamela Delgato, the Lynch twins, Jeri and Janie, and then last but certainly not least, Jillian Hendricks, also our highest ranking black belt. I later found out that among the female black belts at the tournament that day, Jillian outranked every single one, making me that much prouder of her.

The rest of my girls were either competing in "Forms" or Katas, and/or "Weapons", being one of three, the Hong Bo, or, Bo Staff, Nunchaku, or Nunchucks, and then last, the Sai Swords; of which I'd seen Petra Anderson, my second highest ranking black belt, use them with very deadly results. If I was sure of anything that day, I knew that Petra would at least make a good showing, if not placing first...

~~~~~~

After the initial competitions had been completed, and the semi-finalists had been selected, imagine the thrill I experienced when I discovered that all of my girls had made the cut; and would go on to the semi-finals that afternoon and then whoever made it past the semi finals would compete in the finals that night...

~~~~~~

"So, tell us, Coach," Laura Bonham smiled, "What are thinking right now."

"Not much," I gratefully replied, "Just how proud I am of every single one of you girls. Because you all made the semi-finals that let me know that I did my job as your coach."

"Aw, come on, Coach Walker," Taylor Johnson sweetly told me, "You're more than just a Coach to us ya know," and then all my girls began nodding their heads in affirmation, "You've been the closest thing to a father that some of us has ever known," and then as her big pretty blue eyes began to full with tears, she leaned over, and while gently hugging me, softly sniffled, "We all love you, Michael, every single one of us."

"Aw, thank you, sweetie," I replied, thoroughly moved, "You ladies honor me way too much."

"Oh, no they don't," Kara smiled, quickly kissing my lips in front of my girls, "You're more than worthy, baby. Isn't that right, girls?"

"He sure is," Petra Anderson impishly replied, "If he argues with you again, Coach Matlock, let me know and I'll stab him in the ass with one of my Sai Swords," which of course caused the rest of the girls to devilishly agree with her, laughing as they did so...

~~~~~~

That afternoon marked the beginning of where I would cause an awareness of racial bigotry being taught in college sports that would reach a nationwide proportion. It all began when Emma McNealy stepped into the ring to begin the quarter-final matches.

Her opponent's name was Leticia Williams, who was herself, an up and coming contender in the amateur ranks of Martial Arts Competition. Little did I realize that the match between her and Emma would turn out the way it did.

They fought neck-and-neck and were tied at the end of the second round, before the beginning of the third round. However, what I, nor the referee saw, was the fact that Leticia's coach put a different pair of gloves on her hands during the break. And it was those very gloves that would cause me to fly into a rage, making certain that their coach was banned from ever teaching again after the tournament was over, the racist son-of-a-bitch.

Emma was very good at sticking her opponent and then moving out of the way before Leticia could counter, All of a sudden, Emma's opponent threw a punch that Emma didn't see, and it connected square on the chin, dropping her to the mat.

However, what struck me as strange was the fact that when I stepped into the ring to check on Emma's well being, I saw a familiar looking powder that was caked up around her mouth, and all over her chin. I was compelled to do what I did next. I reached down with my index finger and took a swipe of the powder off of Emma's face, placing it in my mouth.

My suspicions were confirmed when I tasted the familiar taste of plaster as it coated the inside of my palette, which, made me immediately made me stand up and yell, "FOUL, REF, FOUL..."

~~~~~~

The fight was immediately halted, and samples of the powder were taken from around Emma's mouth. What happened next was by pure luck when I saw the T.S.U. coach trying to discretely dispose of the gloves that Leticia Williams had worn when she assaulted my Emma.

"STOP RIGHT THERE YOU CHEATING FUCK," I yelled at the TSU coach, causing Patricia Sawyer to rush to the Coach, quickly seizing the gloves from him before they could be disposed of. "Now you're fucked, you cheating piece of shit," I victoriously, as well as poisonously told him, "And I'm going to see to it personally that you never get the chance to pull this kind of chickenshit crap again; you racist asshole."