Page 132 of Caged

“Everything except buy a new truck.” I winced at the thought. “Dad wanted me to tell you to fill out an expense report, he’ll reimburse you for your phone.”

“He doesn’t have to do that,” she argued. Just like I knew she would.

“You lost your phone on the job, so he feels like he does.”

“I’d argue, but I know better,” she said before looking at the TV. “What do you want to watch?”

“How about a comedy?” I suggested, we could all use a laugh.

“Sounds good. I’m down with whatever since I’ll be filling out paperwork and catching up on emails while we watch.”

“Catelyn, I’m sure the paperwork can wait until tomorrow,” her father said.

“It can, but I won’t be able to relax until I do it.”

Her father watched me, making me feel like I was being tested. Only I had no idea what I was supposed to say or do.What’s the right thing to do, according to General Maxwell?

It didn’t matter. I had to be true to myself and do the right thing for Cate.

“Why don’t you fill out your expense report, then relax for a bit?” It was a compromise that allowed her to check something off her to-do list while encouraging her not to overdo it.

“Are you two going to gang up on me if I try to do more?”

“I wouldn’t say we’ll gang up…” her father said.

“But we’ll work together to convince you.” I finished.

“Fine. Start the movie, I’ll be done with the report by the end of theopening credits.”

After Cate put her laptop away, I encouraged her to lie down and use my leg as a pillow. She fell asleep less than twenty minutes later as I rubbed her arm and back.

I didn’t last much longer.

When I woke up, General Maxwell was reading. At some point, he must have covered Cate with a blanket and turned the TV off.

“How long was I out?” I asked around a yawn.

He looked at his watch. “Just shy of an hour.”

Unwilling to disturb Cate, I stretched as much as I could without moving my leg.

When she whimpered in her sleep, I stroked her hair and sang, just like I had in the cage. It had the desired affect, lulling her back into a restful sleep.

“You speak Arabic?” her father asked, after I stopped.

“Yes, sir.”

He watched his daughter, tracking my hand as I caressed her back, before saying, “She trusts you.”

It wasn’t a question, so, I didn’t respond, but I held my head a little higher at the compliment. I looked back at Cate, grateful pain and fear were absent from her features as she slept.For now. Experience taught me the nightmares would not only return, they’d overstay their welcome. My own nightmares had intensified since coming home from the hospital. Pain management wasn’t the only benefit of the drugs that knocked me out.

He looked at his daughter, lying battered and bruised on the couch, and my hand brushing hair off her face. He madeeye contact before asking, “You’ll take care of her? Protect her?”

Yes, sir wasn’t strong enough. I held eye contact as I said, “Until I take my last breath.” It wasn’t a promise, it was a vow. Even though I knew it’d piss her off if she heard me say it.

“I expected a yes, sir.” His chuckle woke Cate.

“What’s so funny?” she asked, rubbing sleep from her eyes. When she noticed she’d drooled on my leg she apologized.

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