Page 63 of Crocodile Tears
Meanwhile, Becci’s mother asks her own series of questions that focus on immediate welfare concerns.“Have you been eating properly?You look thin.And tired.Are you getting adequate rest?Do you need medical attention for those scratches?”
The chaos of simultaneous conversations combined with Red’s professional curiosity and Margo’s detailed questions about tactical operations creates the kind of social complexity that makes military briefings seem straightforward by comparison.
In the middle of this overwhelming reunion, Becci catches my eye with an expression that conveys perfect understanding.The connection between us exists regardless of external circumstances or social complexity.Whether we’re fleeing armed criminals or navigating well-meaning family interrogations, what we’ve found together remains constant.When my phone vibrates to alert me to an incoming email, I’m grateful to have a moment to ease back from the group and read it.
After taking it in and sending back a tentative acceptance, pending “consultation with my partner,” I actively rejoin the group.“Becci,” I say during a brief lull in the various conversations, “I have a professional opportunity that might interest you.”
Everyone turns toward me with obvious curiosity about whatever I’m planning to announce.
“I’ve been offered a security consulting contract in the Amazon with a conservation group studying reptile habitats that need protection from poaching operations and illegal logging activities.”I pause while trying to find the right way to ask what I want to ask.“The research applications might align with your work on reptilian biology, and the environmental protection aspects offer meaningful application for both our skill sets.”
Becci’s expression shifts to the kind of focused interest she shows when encountering fascinating research opportunities.“What kind of reptile habitats?”
“Primary rainforest ecosystems with species diversity that includes multiple varieties of crocodilian populations.”
Her eyes widen like I’m reciting romantic poetry.“Indigenous species with adaptive characteristics that haven’t been studied in controlled laboratory environments?”
With a grin, I nod.“Exactly.”
She grins with obvious excitement about the research possibilities.“Yes.”
“Yes?”
“Yes, I want to combine my research with your security consultation.Yes, I want to study reptilian adaptations in their natural habitat.Yes, I want to continue building whatever this is between us in environments that accommodate both our professional needs.”
Red throws her hands in the air with exasperated delight.“You two are officially my most unorthodox success story ever.I’m adding you to my wall of successful matches, but you’re showering first.”
Dr.Lawson continues his systematic evaluation process.“Calvin, what specific security measures will you implement to ensure Rebecca’s safety during this Amazon expedition?”
Mrs.Lawson starts rattling off recipes for comfort food that will also maintain travel nutrition before thinking to ask if we’ll have access to proper cooking facilities in the jungle.
Margo demands detailed information about the tactical aspects of environmental protection while simultaneously planning to document everything for what she calls our “adventure archive.”
The overlapping conversations create the kind of chaotic family energy I’ve never experienced before.Military units develop camaraderie, but this is something different.These are people who care about each other enough to ask inconvenient questions and provide unsolicited support.
I pull Becci close while our respective support systems continue their enthusiastic interrogation and planning activities.Her warmth against my side feels like the most natural thing in the world, regardless of external chaos or future uncertainty.
“This wasn’t exactly the normal civilian life I thought I wanted,” I say while watching her father discuss research funding options with Red, who’s apparently prepared to provide small business loans for romantic expeditions.
“This is better than normal,” Becci says while leaning into me with comfortable certainty.“This is honest, complex, chaotic, and perfectly suited to two people whose lives don’t fit conventional patterns.”
As the sun sets while our found family continues planning our future adventures with characteristic intensity, I think about Dr.Martinez and her advice about civilian integration.She wanted me to find balance between my military background and normal relationships.
What I found instead is someone who appreciates both aspects of who I am and brings her own positives and complications.Normal is overrated when you can have honest, challenging, and surprisingly perfect instead.
Epilogue
Becci
Threemonthslater,Istumble out of my research tent into Amazon humidity that makes my hair instantly frizz.My tablet’s packed with data that’s going to blow everyone’s minds about reptilian healing, and every muscle in my body screams from twelve hours of crawling through jungle muck that nobody warned me about when I signed up for “fieldwork.”
Nikolai’s network dismantled most of Vega’s facilities.Apparently, he’s rotting in a Colombian prison now—and still blaming shifters for his downfall.Since Nikolai’s intel brought down Vega’s group, it’s safer, but there’s always a copycat waiting in the shadows, which makes me glad we’re far away, here in this camp.
The conservation camp is this weird blend of serious science and tactical ops that shouldn’t work but somehow does.I study how local crocodiles heal faster than anything has a right to while Cal makes sure poachers and illegal loggers don’t turn us into statistics.His security operation keeps us breathing while my research gives the conservation group detailed data for protecting this place.
Our daily routine works, sort of, if you ignore the ongoing war between our organizational systems that’s turned into camp entertainment.
This morning I found Cal using one of my specimen vials—clearly labeled “Tree Frog Mucus: Seriously, Don’t Touch”—to store his protein powder.When I lost my mind about him contaminating irreplaceable biological samples with his gym supplements, he pointed out that I’d reorganized his medical kit by molecular weight instead of, you know, what you’d actually grab when someone’s bleeding to death.
