CASCADE - Chapter 41

BEGINNINGS

March 25, 2024

BEGINNINGS

One Year Later:

“Hi, Benny,” Liam greeted warmly. He approached the coffee shop counter as Aika sat at a table near the window.

“Morning, Liam,” replied Benny. His real name was Bernard Kaminski, but everyone called him Benny. Benny leaned closer and whispered, “I see you brought your better half with you this morning.”

Liam laughed.

Benny raised his hand, waved at Aika, and said, “Good morning, Aika. What would you like this morning?”

Aika answered, “A medium, skinny mocha latte.”

Benny looked at Liam. “The usual?”

“Yes,” Liam replied. He continued, “I guess I’ll see more of you now.”

Benny’s Joe was a coffee shop in downtown Charleston. Liam’s new office will be next door. Benny inquired. “This is your last day, right?”

“Yep.”

Benny announced, “Red Eye and a medium, skinny mocha latte.”

Liam grabbed the cups and replied, “Thanks, Benny.” Liam walked the drinks to the table and sat down. “The years at the bureau were great, but I am excited and ready for the next phase in my life. I can’t wait to start.”

Aika sipped her coffee and said encouragingly, “Last year was rough. This new start is exciting, Liam.”

“I’m just worried about succeeding.”

“Liam, it’s what you have dreamed about for a long time.” Aika took another sip, set her cup down, and reached across the table. Placing her hand on Liam’s hand, she encouraged, “The time is right.”

They finished their coffee, and as they walked out, Liam said, “Bye, Benny, see you tomorrow.”

***

Liam and Aika walked into the Bureau conference room. There were dozens of people seated and others walking to their seats. Liz and Aaron were already seated in the front row. Morgan was at the podium. The room was full of agents, spouses, families, and friends. Liam acknowledged some reporters as he and Aika passed open seats to sit next to Liz and Aaron.

Morgan began. “Thank you all for coming today. We rarely get to acknowledge a distinguished agent, but today, we have three. With sadness and pride, the bureau posthumously awards Michael Parker the medal for Meritorious Achievement. Agent Parker made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the people of the United States.” Morgan handed a medal and certificate to Mike Parker’s wife while those gathered applauded.

Morgan continued, “Next, I would like to award Elizabeth Baldwin the medal for Meritorious Achievement for her outstanding performance in Cyber Security.” After presenting the certificate and medal to her, Director Morgan complimented her, “Thank you, Liz.” The room erupted in applause, and Liz blushed and waved her hand in appreciation.

“Our final award goes to Aaron Franks. Come on up here, Aaron.” Aaron stepped forward and stood next to Morgan. “The Shield of Bravery is awarded to Aaron Franks.” Again, the room erupted, and everyone stood and applauded. Aaron had to bend his head and stoop down so Morgan could place the medal around his neck. Thirty more minutes were spent on speeches, promotions, and announcements before the ceremony concluded.

After the ceremony, Liam, Aika, Liz, and Aaron celebrated at a pub downtown. Liam raised his glass, “Here’s to our award winners. Congratulations.” After two more rounds, Liam looked hesitantly at Aika before confessing, “I wish I could have told you both sooner, but there never seemed to be a right time.”

Liz asked quizzically, “Tell us what?”

Liam took a long breath and said, “Today is my last day with the Bureau.”

Shocked, both Liz and Aaron said in unison, “What?”

“There is no way to explain other than to say that it has always been a dream of mine to have my own office. I want to be able to work without bureaucracy.” Reaching over to hold Aika’s hand, he tried to lessen the blow by saying, “We will still be living in South Charleston, and I will still be working downtown.” Liam could see Liz visibly upset and on the verge of tears.

Liz took a napkin from the table, brushed a tear from under her eye, and quavered, “I’m still trying to process this.” She questioned, “How long have you known?”

“Two months.”

“Well, you sure know how to keep a secret, Liam.” Aaron chided, “You haven’t told us what you will be doing.”

With that, Liam reached into his pocket and handed Liz and Aaron each a business card, “Liam Doyle, Private Investigator.”