Young Luke Mitchell was stunned as the truth emerged. He backed away, nearly choking on his words. "Then, you. are. my dad?"
Grant gave a very brief nod. "We've got a lot to talk about, Luke, but first I've gotta ask you something."
"Yes … sir?"
"I was going to wait and have this conversation after you finished your training, but with what you know now, will you have a problem going through this program? If you… "
"Negative, sir! Absolutely not, sir! This is one of the most important things I'll ever do in my life!"
"Very well, but it might be best if you kept this to yourself."
"Understood, sir. No special treatment, right?" Noticing Grant's serious expression, Mitchell's nervous smile was brief.
Grant needed to be forthright, letting Mitchell know the possible consequences of his newfound knowledge. "Luke, I want you to listen to me, and listen carefully. There are a helluva lot of 'unfriendlies' who know who I am, and not just here in the States. I don't want to put the fear of God in you, but for now, you've got to keep this to yourself — for your own protection. You're smart enough to get the whole picture. Let's just leave it at that."
"Understood, sir."
"I hope so." Grant realized he was acting like a father trying to protect his son. But until Mitchell finished this training, and had more experience, only then would Grant's concerns be eased. Maybe.
"Is this, I mean, are you the reason why my mom didn't want me to join up, sir?"
"She's the only one who can answer that, Luke, but I want you to promise me something."
"Yes, sir?"
"Don't blame her — for anything. She had her reasons. I had mine. Clear?" Mitchell hesitated in responding. "Luke?"
"I … I understand, sir."
"You're who you are today because of her. She did a helluva job raising you."
The front door swung open. Adler stepped onto the porch, searching for Grant. "Skipper! We need you in here!"
"Now, Joe?!"
"Affirmative! We've got a situation!"
"Be right there." Grant grabbed his jacket, and opened the driver's door of the Vette. "Have a seat if you want, Luke. I'll be back as soon as I can." He laid a hand briefly on Mitchell's shoulder, then he took off jogging toward the house.
Mitchell watched Grant until the front door closed. He stood motionless with his heart pounding. Whether it was fate — or pure chance — he had found his father. Captain Grant Stevens, Navy SEAL.
Fifteen minutes later, Grant hurried down the steps, then jogged across the driveway. "Luke, I'm sorry, but we won't be able to finish our talk. This is the way my life's been for a long time. You can expect the same thing if you decide to go down this path. I'm not trying to discourage you. I just want to 'open your eyes' to what's ahead."
"I understand, sir. But nothing could change my mind — now more than ever."
Grant glanced quickly at his watch. "I've gotta go. And you'd better get some rest. You've got another tough day tomorrow. We'll finish our talk when I get back. Promise." He offered his hand. Mitchell grasped it firmly. That handshake would sustain them for now. Questions and answers would have to wait.
Luke squeezed Grant's hand tighter. "Take good care of yourself, sir."
Grant gave a quick nod, then started toward the house, until Mitchell called, "Sir!" He caught up to Grant. "Sir, if you allow me to join your Team, I won't expect any special treatment then either. Okay, sir?"
Grant's answer was just a smile. "You'd better head to your rack." Without further words, he turned away. The past 24 hours had emotionally drained him. It was time to get his head on straight and refocus. Without looking back, he went inside.
Only when he could no longer see Grant, did Luke Mitchell start walking. Alone in the darkness, he wiped the wetness from his eyes and cheeks. He suddenly realized the emptiness he had felt for so many years, but never really understood, had vanished. Blowing out a long breath, he picked up his pace and started double-timing it back to the Quonset hut. His face broke out in a smile, as he raised a fist high overhead, and in a loud whisper, he blurted out a single word: "Hooyah!"
Acknowledgements
Navy SEALs and all SpecOps — Thank you for your service, sacrifice, and dedication in keeping America safe, and protecting anyone, anywhere, anytime when called upon. You make us proud!
All service men and women: Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
Captain Charles, USAF: Thanks for contributing.
Gregg: Stay safe, my friend. Godspeed.