Broken Road Read Free Page A

she’d met through the Unit FRG to which her family belonged. All spouses and family members of attached or assigned active duty service men and women are invited to be part of Family Readiness Groups or FRGs consisting of family, volunteers and civilians ready to provide help, information and moral support before, during and after deployment. It was during Shane’s deployments that she and Captain Procter had gotten to know each other. So much life happens while a soldier is away, she thought, especially during war and while talking to Shane on the phone or even seeing him via the computer helped to quell the lingering ache of loneliness that ate away at her these things were stark reminders that something would always stand between them as long as they chose military life. What struck her as odd was her relationship with Jon Procter. Wasn’t he also in the military? Hadn’t he also chosen a life of unquestioned orders? It didn’t matter. She and Jon had been acquaintances for almost three years, close friends for two and something more for almost a year. It was that something more that was coming back to haunt her now in the midst of the nightmare she was living.  
    "I'm not fine." She admitted.
    "Then let me help. Let me come see you."
    "Jon, you being here with my family, with the boys at Shane's. . ." she couldn't bring herself to say the word funeral , "well, I'm not sure that's the best idea."
    "No one knows about us."
    "I know, Jon, and so do you."  
    There was silence on the other end.
    "We never mean to hurt anyone, Brenda."
    "No, we didn't. I want to keep it that way."
    "For how long?"
    "I don't know. I can't even think about it right now."
    "It's not what I want."
    "It's what I want."
    "I can wait as long as it takes."
    Brenda felt the tears start down her face.  
    "No more waiting, Jon. There's been enough waiting. I waited for Shane. I know what that feels like and what it does to you.   I can't have you waiting for me."
    "Brenda... "
    "I've got to go we're meeting Shane's plane in a little bit."
    "I love you." He whispered and she closed her eyes trying to ignore the pain his words caused her.
    "I'm sorry."  
    "Don't be."
    "Please don't call me anymore."
    "Maybe after some time has passed we can sort things out."
    "If you love me you won't call."  
    "I do love you. I'll wait."
    "Goodbye, Jon." She said and hung up.

CHAPTER THREE
Airport

    The plane landed 20 minutes ahead of schedule.   Mark led her to the tarmac, followed by Callan, her mother and Taylor.   They stood in a tiny receiving line as Earl Hanley walked toward them.“Mrs. Jenner, my deepest sympathies for your loss.” He said taking her hands in his own as he stood next to a large silver hearse on the tarmac, preparing to receive the flag-draped casket that contained Shane Jenner’s remains. Brenda wished it were earlier in the day so she could put on a large pair of dark sunglasses to hide her red puffy eyes and the forthcoming tears. “Is this everyone?” Earl Hanley asked looking behind her. She nodded and was suddenly aware that many of the passengers on the plane that had brought Shane home were staring out at them from the brightly lit cabin. She was certain they were looks of sorrow and pity. She imagined that just before Shane’s casket exited the plane that the pilot would ask the passengers to observe a moment of silence for the fallen hero. She raised her head up a little. Maybe they couldn’t really see her standing out here in the dark but she was resolved to meet this head on. No more tears. Be strong! She had promised herself she wouldn’t break down. If she did how could she be strong for Callan and Taylor? Poor Taylor! Would he even remember this night? Would he even remember Shane? She kept it together until the plane door opened and she saw a soldier in full uniform descending the stairs. The left sleeve of his uniform had been neatly pinned up. He was missing an arm. Then, the cargo bay of the plane opened