Paul Gillebaard: Space Hoax

She pointed down the hallway. “I’ll be standing right over there, waiting. Just call out if you need me.”

He flashed a quick wink before reaching for the doorframe, struggling to hold on to steady himself. He patted his robe pocket to ensure he had Matthew’s toy before taking a few painful steps into the small chapel up to the back pew. With only three rows of pews, Suzy was only a few feet away. Her blonde hair glowed lightly from a soft spotlight aimed down on the multi-colored stained glass window pane at the front of the room. As he resumed his movements, the sounds caused Suzy to turn. Her face was blotchy, eyes red and puffy from crying. She instantly recognized him. She solemnly stood and reached her arms out toward him.

Supporting himself with one hand on the pew, he reached for her with the other. As they embraced he softly said, “I’m so sorry I couldn’t keep my promise.”

She pulled away a little, a tear running down her cheek. “You did everything you could to save Blake. Jesse told me how you risked your life for them.” She took a deep breath. “Jesse feels guilty he wasn’t on that ship when the explosion happened. But because Blake was the one scheduled to do the spacewalk, he didn’t have the connection for the oxygen pack.” She fell silent for a moment as she looked toward the stained glass. “I guess it was his time.”

Peter put his hand on her shoulder. “I feel like I let him down. That I let you down.”

She turned with a stern look. “Don’t you ever think that. Thanks to you, he had a fighting chance. You were willing to lose everything for them. I will always hold that dear in my heart.” She put her head down. “I blame EarthOrbit for putting Blake in a faulty spacecraft.”

Peter wanted to tell her the cause of the accident but couldn’t.

Suzy grabbed his hand. “Blake looked up to you. He was constantly talking about your moon mission, especially when you two were training together. He was looking forward to flying with you.”

Peter lifted his head as he looked directly into her eyes. “He was a great man, with a good soul.”

She bit her lower lip. “Blake told me you were going to strap them in before launch. Did you?”

With a bleak smile Peter tried to stay strong as he answered, “I did. They were both so excited and ready. Just before the hatch was closed, Blake did ask me to tell you something.”

A ray of hope appeared on her face. “What?”

Peter took a deep breath as he took a moment to look at the stained glass. He turned back. “He wanted me to tell you he was thinking of you and how much he loved you.”

She tilted her head slightly as another tear started to trickle down her face. “Really?”

Peter put his hand on her shoulder. “Yes, but I told him he could tell you that himself when he returned.”

She looked away as she brought a tissue to her face, lightly dabbing her eyes.

Peter removed his hand and reached into his pocket. “You remember the toy plane you gave me?”

Suzy turned and answered with sadness in her voice. “Yes.”

Peter took her hand and placed the plane in the center, closing her fingers around it. “This was with Blake up to the moment he died. While I was rescuing Jesse, he took the time to attach it to his glove, showing how much his family meant to him, that he was thinking of all of you up to the last minute.”

Suzy lightly caressed the toy and fought back more tears. Peter bent down and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek before turning to walk out.

As he wrestled with the difficulties of leaving, he heard her muster up the strength to call out. “You’re a good man, Peter Novak. Thank you.”

Clumsily struggling with his crutches, Peter waddled down the final corridor to his boss’s office. Gavin had asked him to report to CIA headquarters for a debriefing once he was able to travel. While recuperating, Peter had spent the last two weeks debating over what he should do with his career. Though he loved the excitement involved with SID, he made a promise to God, himself, and Anya that he would make a change. He figured his only option was to quit. As he approached the last corner, he peered playfully around at Lola’s desk. The sexy grandmother had her head buried in paperwork, unaware of his presence.

Disappointed on not getting a reaction, he worked his way toward the executive assistant. The sound of his crutches hitting the floor finally caused Lola to look up. She instantly took off her glasses, her eyes glowing with joy. A bright smile replaced her stale business look as she swiveled her chair around. Peter couldn’t help stealing a discreet glance at her athletic legs as she seemed to flash them before standing. His eyes did a slow journey up her short purple dress showing off her curves. He was always impressed the grandmother was never shy to flaunt her body. Her voice came out in a conspiratorial whisper. “Hello, Peter Pan.”

Peter arched an eyebrow as he approached. “Peter Pan?”

She answered with a little giggle. “Well you have been flying so much I, figured we should start calling you Agent Peter Pan. So how are you?”

Out of breath, he stalled at the end of her desk. “I’m doing better. The doctor said I’m going to live.”

“Good.” Lola circled her desk with her arms spread out. “Do you need any help?”

Peter figured he probably looked like an idiot. “No, I’m fine. Of course by the time I figure these things out,” he said, indicating his crutches, “I probably won’t need them anymore.”

“That’s usually how it works.” She leaned in to give him a hug. “You have to stop risking your life. You’re going to give me a heart attack.”

He bent down and planted a soft kiss in her hair. “Love you too, Lola. Unfortunately, Gavin tells you too much.” As she looked up, he flashed a mischievous grin. “Of course I appreciate hearing that from such a sexy lady.”

She stepped back. “That’s my Peter. Can I get you some coffee?”

He figured he would probably spill it. “No, thanks. I think I’ll pass.”

She grabbed his hand as her eyes softened. A hint of sincerity mixed into her voice. “I’m glad you’re back.” She abruptly let go and motioned toward Gavin’s office door, her voice rising. “The boss is expecting you.”

He gave her a wink before resuming his struggles toward the doorway. He did a soft knock as he entered.

The director looked up with a faint grin. “There he is, our own Superman.”

Peter took the title as a compliment as he worked his way across the office. “Hey, Boss.”

Gavin vaulted up and extended his hand, patiently waiting for Peter to approach. Once positioned, Peter settled his full weight on top of the crutches’ padding to steady himself before shaking his boss’s hand.

“Looks like you got a little beat up.”

“A little.” Peter gently set the crutches against the desk before falling into the comfortable chair, exhausted from the long haul.

His boss sat before placing his arms on the desk. “Once again, you did a hell of a job out there. With all of your space experience, you’re becoming a valuable asset to this agency.”

Peter curled in his lips. A tinge of guilt tugged at him knowing he would be giving his notice. “Thanks, Boss.”

“Because of your long list of heroics, the President has offered to meet you on your time. You call the shot when.”

Peter was pleased Anya was going to get to wear her red dress for its intended purpose. He motioned toward his crutches. “Great, I think I’ll hold off until I get rid of those damn things.”

“No problem; you just tell me when.” Gavin flipped open the file in front of him.

Exhaling a deep breath, Peter leaned in. “So have we figured out what China was up to?”