Page 124 of Chaos has a Name
Oh, he bet.
Blackhawk had learned that helping others was more important than helping himself. That lesson began years ago when Gene taught him to be a better human.
As they walked up the stairs, and opened the doors to the community center, they could hear kids and noise. While older kids were in school, younger ones were in the funded daycare. It was so their parents could have someone to watch the children as they worked.
Right inside the door, there was a picture of their grandfather on the one wall.
He was in his full regalia.
It was a painting done in bright, cheerful colors. It was a portrait of his face, and it loomed there, so everyone could see it.
Moving closer, they saw the metal plate under the photo.
Just reading it hit Ethan in the feels.
‘Shaman Timothy Blackhawk.’
Below his name was the date of his death. Because it felt so long ago, Callen touched it with his fingers and remembered the day like it was yesterday.
They’d been in a different town, and Wyler had called them to tell them to hurry home. Unfortunately for them, they’d missed his passing. They got to talk to him over the phone, but Timothy hadn’t passed with his‘sons’around him.
It still hurt them to know they didn’t get to be there for his death. That was Callen’s one regret. He’d been off chasing a woman, trying to save Desdemona.
It all worked out, but it still hurt. That was the tender spot in his heart.
“I miss the old man.”
They heard the voice approaching.
“Everyone misses him,” the elder said, heading their way.
When Gryphen moved to stand in front of them, Callen patted him on the shoulder.
“We’re good, Gryph. That’s Chief Tom Redbear. We were meeting with him at the council house in a bit. He’s found us early.”
The Marine relaxed.
As the man reached them, he hugged both men with a familiarity. It was clear he knew them both, and well—through his friendship with Timothy.
“It’s been a while, Blackhawk sons. Welcome back to your home.”
Callen had been here six months ago, but Ethan didn’t come often.
With reason.
He was still navigating it in his own time and terrified that the pull here wouldn’t let him leave. That had always been his biggest fear.
“Thank you for welcoming us,” Callen said. “We were on our way to meet with you and the rest of the council.”
He explained.
“They are off at their homes having lunch. I saw the blacked-out SUV, and I knew that few people would show up here with that kind of vehicle. I’m glad I got to see you standing here and thinking about Timothy. You’re now in your element.”
Yeah, well, they weren’t sure that was true. Coming home was always tumultuous.
For.
Sure.
