Page 119 of Hours to Kill
It was the moment the candidate went from being someone who wanted to serve, protect, and defend others to someone who had the obligation and privilege to do so. To someone who would do so every day for the rest of their career. The day changed everyone’s life, including family members in the room.
The trainees filed out of the room to go stand in a hallway offstage. One by one they would cross the stage and receive their credentials and badge. They entered in alphabetical order, so it didn’t take long for Cam Linn to appear.
Dressed in a dark suit, white shirt, and dress shoes like the rest of his class, he strode proudly across the stage and clasped the director’s hand. They turned toward the audience, pausing for a quick photo, and Cam’s beaming smile told them everything they needed to know. He was honored and excited to be an FBI agent.
Addy squeezed Mack’s hand and smiled at him. He looked so proud of Cam, much like a dad or mentor. Addy and Mack remained hand in hand until they stepped out to greet Cam. Soon he burst through the crowd and joined them.
“Congrats, man.” Mack clapped Cam on the back. “You made it.”
Cam grinned as he stared at his shiny new badge. “Almost. Gotta stop by the weapons vault to pick up my FBI-issued pistol and ammunition.”
“Right.” Sean pumped Cam’s hand. “Then you’ll be ready to head off to your first assignment in Chicago.”
“Isn’t it cool that I got such a major field office to start?” Cam asked.
“Lots of analysts there to boss around.” Kiley chuckled and gave Cam a hug. “Just know we’ll miss you and hope you’ll someday be able to come back home to us.”
“That’s my goal, but you know, I got a lot of living to do before that.” Cam’s cute smile widened.
“And maybe find someone to share your life with,” Taylor suggested.
Cam waved a hand. “I’ve got lots of time for that once I get my agent feet under me.”
“Hey, man.” Another new agent bumped shoulders with Cam. “Let’s get checked out and pick up our pistols.”
“Gotta run,” Cam said.
“Keep in touch,” Kiley told him.
He nodded and bolted with the other guy, not at all looking sad about the parting.
“This must be what a proud parent feels like when their kid flies the nest.” Kiley wiped a tear from her eye. “Proud and sad at the same time.”
“Aw, honey, don’t cry.” Evan took her hand. “Remember today is all about happiness.”
“Yeah, it is.” Mack smiled at Addy, a promise in his eyes.
At the mere thought of their wedding vow renewal set for that afternoon, butterflies took flight in her stomach.
“Speaking of which.” Kiley looked at Addy. “Time for the girls to get going so we can take care of a few last-minute things. That is, if I can pull you away from Mack.”
Addy chuckled and kissed Mack on the cheek. “Have to go.”
“You call that a good-bye kiss?” Mack swept her into his arms and looked at the others. “If a real kiss makes you squeamish, go now, because I am about to engage in a very public display of affection.”
Addy laughed, but it was broken off by Mack’s mouth pressing against hers. He kissed her until she could barely breathe and had to come up for air.
“I love you.” He gave her a wide smile.
She returned it. “I love you.”
Kiley grabbed Addy’s arm. “C’mon. You have a whole afternoon dedicated to kissing.”
Addy waved good-bye to Mack and let Kiley lead her and Taylor out of the parking lot. Addy had hoped by now that she would’ve remembered Mack and the others, yet she had only gotten bits and pieces back. Just little flashes really. She’d kept up her hypnosis, and her doctor was encouraged, thinking it was just a matter of time.
She honestly didn’t care today as she was getting a chance that she doubted few women got. She was going to have her wedding all over again. Since she couldn’t remember the first one, the same emotions and joy saturated her heart, as did the man who held it. She couldn’t wait to begin the first day of married life with him again.
Mack stood near the altar in the tiny church in the country and tugged on his tie. The pastor stood behind him, tapping his toe. The little traditional church had ornate woodwork and rich burgundy carpet running down the aisle. Solid wood pews were lined up like soldiers and were empty save for his family on the right side of the aisle and the RED team on the left. Mack did everything in his power to get Addy’s mom here today, but she was having a tough day and it would’ve been too taxing on her. He did convince the nurse to stream the event live for Addy’s mother in case she was lucid for a few moments.
