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Chapter One
Doctor Nathan Stark, Director of Research at Global Dynamics, was sitting at his desk going over project proposals to determine which got an allotment of next quarter’s grant money when his assistant, Doctor Douglas Fargo buzzed him on the intercom.
Nathan asked, “What is it, Fargo?”
“Allison Blake is asking to see you, Doctor Stark.”
Nathan rolled his eyes. He really didn’t have the time right now to deal with Allison. Whatever her business with him as the DoD Liaison to Global Dynamics was wouldn’t be a problem. It was their personal business that was bound to come up which would consume his valuable time. Nevertheless, he said, “Send her in.”
Allison Blake walked into the room like she owned it, him, the facility, and the town of Eureka where GD was located. At one time, he admired that cockiness as he misread it as confidence. Now, it irritated him to no end.
He asked with insincere politeness, “Allison, what can I do for you today?”
She said, “Doctors Isaac Parrish and Henrietta Bishop are at each other’s throats again. You need to come do something about it.”
Nathan said, “No, I don’t. Refereeing petty squabbles is not in my job description, it’s in the job description of the town sheriff. You are well aware of that so why haven’t you called him?”
“Carter’s dealing with an explosion in an off-site lab. You’ll have to deal with Parrish and Bishop.”
Nathan finally put his work down and gave Allison, his ex-wife, his full attention. He demanded, “Why are you complaining to me about two childish scientists instead of informing me of an explosion involving GD property, material, and personnel?”
Allison put her hands on her hips as she always did when challenged and said, “The explosion was minor and the result of someone mishandling an empty hydrogen container. Carter has it well in hand. The two ‘childish’ scientists I’ve come to you about are on the verge of coming to blows in their lab. Which do you deem more important?”
Nathan stood and demanded again, “Allison, why was I not informed of the explosion?”
She replied primly, “I didn’t think it was important.”
Nathan said, “More like you didn’t want to deal with me, but one or more lab assistants have complained to you about Parrish and Bishop so you have no choice but bring it to my attention.”
Allison, mouth pursed because she was caught, folded her arms across her chest and looked out the window of the office.
Nathan asked, “What site was the explosion on?”
“Site twelve. Steven Whitticus’s cabin.”
“Whitticus’s lab is in his basement. How bad was the explosion?”
“I don’t know for certain. Carter hasn’t called in yet.”
Nathan stepped to the coat rack beside his restroom door and grabbed his coat. He said, “I’m going to the cabin. You’ll have to deal with Parrish and Bishop yourself.”
Allison, exasperation filling her voice, said, “Nathan!”
Already at his office door and holding it open, he turned back to her and said, “After you.”
Nathan made sure to lock his door after she exited. He looked at Fargo and said, “I’m going to Whtticus’s cabin to find out what’s going on. Postpone my meeting with Doctor Young, and cancel my meeting with Larry Haberman.”
Fargo said, “Yes, Sir. Should I call Sheriff Carter and tell him you’re on your way?”
“No, I’ll talk with him when I get there.”
Nathan’s long legs and lead foot got him to the cabin in quick time. He got out of his car and saw Sheriff Jack Carter speaking with Doctor and Mrs. Whitticus. He walked over and listened to the conversation.
Jack asked, “Are you sure you don’t need medical attention, Doctor Whitticus?”
The man answered, “No, Sheriff, I’m fine. I just can’t believe my cabin is gone.”
Mrs. Whitticus said, “Honey, I’m so sorry. I thought the tank was empty.”
Nathan asked, “What exactly happened, Mrs. Whitticus?”
“Steven asked me to move a hydrogen tank out of his way in the basement. I honestly thought the tank was empty, Doctor Stark. I moved it across the room and didn’t think any more about it. When the furnace kicked on, it heated what hydrogen was left in the tank, and the tank exploded. I didn’t even realize I had put the tank that close to a vent. I’m so sorry.”
Nathan turned to Jack and asked, “How bad is the damage, Sheriff?”
Jack shook his head and said, “Everything downstairs was destroyed. The cabin foundation is too damaged for anyone to stay here. Luckily, these two were out at the weather array tower beside the lake. Doctor Whitticus is having some trouble seeing right now because the explosion caused a blowback through the tower and flashed him in his face, but he’s refusing medical treatment.”
Nathan said, “No, he’s not. Doctor Whitticus, you can either ride with the medics or with me, but you’re going to the GD infirmary to be examined.”
Doctor Whitticus tried to decline again, “That’s really not necessary, Doctor Stark.”
“It’s an order, Doctor Whitticus.”
Whitticus nodded and allowed the medics to lead him to the ambulance. At Nathan’s nod, Mrs Whitticus followed to go with her husband.
Jack said, “I’m glad you did that. I’ve been trying for half an hour to get him to agree to be checked out.”
Nathan said, “I’m surprised you didn’t try to arrest Wendy Whitticus.”
Jack said, “Almost every other sentence she’s spoken since I arrived has been an apology. It was an accident. She wasn’t being stupidly careless or malicious.”
Nathan said, “She put a hydrogen tank over a furnace vent. You don’t consider that careless?”
“If what you just said was true, then, yes, she was careless. That’s not exactly what happened. She put what she thought was a dry tank closer to a furnace vent than she realized. That’s accidental.”
Because he needed to see that damage, and partly to hide his smile, Nathan turned his attention to the cabin. He said, “I hope Doctor Whitticus had backed up his work on the mainframe. He was so close to succeeding with his weather array.”
Jack said, “He told me his array was designed to end drought and help fertilize land in desert areas. Yeah, I hope he backed up his work too.”
Nathan took a step toward the cabin and ended up falling ten feet to the concrete floor of the basement lab.
Jack yelled, “Stark!”
Nathan tried to move, but his body wasn’t cooperating just yet.
Jack was at his side in seconds, running his hands over him to check for broken bones. Nathan tried to swat his hands away and said, “I’m fine. I just got the breath knocked out of me.”
This time he managed to sit up and rub the back of his head. Jack helped him to his feet. He brushed as much soot and grime as he could from his coat.
Jack said, “I think you should go to the infirmary and get checked out.”
“Why, Sheriff, I didn’t know you cared. Thanks, but I’m fine.”
Jack said, “Oh, I don’t. It’s just that you’re pale, your pupils are dilated, and you can hardly stand up straight. You need to be examined.”
“Carter, I’m fine. If I feel out of sorts when I get back to work, I’ll go to the infirmary.”
“You’re a stubborn bastard.”
“Over a year in this town, and you’re just now realizing that?”
“I didn’t think it applied to your life and health.”
Changing the subject, Nathan asked, “Is a cleanup crew on the way?
“Yeah, it should be another ten minutes or so.”
“Why so long?”
“I was more concerned about trying to get Whitticus checked out than calling them.”
Nathan nodded and said, “They’ll secure the lab and see if anything down there can be of use. Then they’ll get the Whitticus’s property out of the cabin proper. Hopefully, not much of their belongings have been destroyed.”
Jack said, “I feel bad for them. Wendy said they’d already decorated for Christmas. Now they may not have any decorations left.”
Nathan said, “I’ll make sure Vincent knows. He’ll take care of it.”
Jack turned to face Nathan and asked, “How?”
Nathan answered, “When Vincent learns they may have lost everything, he will organize people to help them get back on their feet. You should know by now that Vincent is much more than just the chef at Café Diem.”
“I know he’s the Gossip King of Eureka, the local bookie, and the town’s social coordinator.”
Nathan smiled and said, “That, he is. He’s also the one who ensures people are looked after following accidents and, or injuries; he keeps me informed of serious issues in town; and he organizes all the holiday celebrations.”
Jack asked, “When does he have time to cook?”
Grinning, Nathan said, “I’ve wondered that myself, Sheriff.”
Jack said, “I’ve got to wait for the cleaning crew, but you don’t need to be here. You can head back to work if you want.”
Nathan said, “Speaking of work, Allison came to my office a little while ago and informed me that Parrish and Bishop are at it again.”
Jack groaned and said, “Well, someone else is going to have to handle it this time. I’ve got to be here, and it’s Jo’s day off.”
“That’s why Allison came to my office, to get me to handle it. I told her I need to be here so she would have to handle it.”
“Allison handling those two will as likely as not end with one of them being redacted.”
Nathan smirked again, “Not without my approval.”
“Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?”
Nathan chuckled and said, “You can ask all you want. That doesn’t mean I’ll answer.”
Jack smiled and said, “I know it’s none of my business so it won’t make me angry if you don’t answer.”
Nathan cocked his head and asked, “What’s your question, Carter?”
“A lot of people have told me what a perfect couple you and Allison were at the start. What happened?”
Nathan started not to answer the question, but as he started at the sheriff, he realized the man was merely asking because he cared. So Nathan answered, “”People said we were the perfect couple because we’re so much alike. We’re both highly intelligent, confident, ambitious, and controlling. Those last two attributes led to our downfall. Neither of us could compromise, and we each put our careers first.”
“That’s similar to what ended my marriage to Abby. She always felt I put my career first. She couldn’t understand that being a law enforcement officer isn't my career; it’s who I am. At the same time, she wouldn’t, or couldn’t, turn off the psychiatrist. She was always psychoanalyzing me.”
“Listen, Carter…”
“Don’t worry, Allison will never hear a word of our conversation from me. I just thought it might come in handy to know when I get stuck in the middle of an argument between the two of you.”
Nathan let out a breath and said, “Thanks. It would only make her angry at both of us if she knew we were discussing it.”
The clean up crew pulled up and moved faster than Jack had seen thus far. Of course, this was the first time Nathan was on the scene when they pulled up. Jack chuckled for seemingly no reason.
Nathan asked, “What’s so funny?”
Jack tilted his head toward the crew and said, “Your mere presence motivates people to work faster.”
Nathan stood straighter and said, “It took me years to cultivate that persona. I happen to be very proud of it.”
Jack laughed and said, “Go back to work, scientist, before these guys have an aneurysm.”
Nathan laughed and headed back to his car.
Rather than go straight to his office, he detoured to the infirmary. He walked over to Doctor Whitticus and his wife and asked, “Has the doctor seen you yet?”
Wendy was the one to answer, “Steven’s eyes were nearly destroyed by the blowback. He can hardly see anything, and the doctor said there’s nothing they can do.”
Steven said, “He told me they can stop the deterioration, but there’s no way to repair the damage I sustained.”
Nathan said, “I’m sorry Steven. I promise we’ll do everything we can to help you.”
Whitticus said, “Thank you, Doctor Stark. I appreciate that.”
Nathan left the infirmary. On the way back to his office, he called Vincent and filled him in. Steven and Wendy would have everything they could need by tonight.
Nathan rounded the wall into his reception area to find Bishop seated on one side of Fargo’s desk and Parrish sitting on the other side. Fargo gave him a pleading look and said, “Doctors Bishop and Parrish are here to see you, Doctor Stark.”
Nathan demanded, “What could the two of you possibly want?”
Bishop said, “Doctor Stark, please don’t send Ms. Blake to talk to us again. Neither of us appreciated her threatening us with redaction.”
“You would appreciate the threat better if it came from me?”
Parrish haughtily said, “We don’t appreciate that threat from anyone. Nothing we’ve done or said merits such a threat from anyone.”
Nathan pulled up to his full height and let his authoritarian leadership show. “You two spend more time arguing than working. You’ve missed your last four deadlines because of it. No lab assistant at Global wants to work in your section because of it. So tell me why I shouldn’t redact the both of you and be done.”
Parrish tried to imitate Stark and pulled himself up as well. He said, “Because we are the best in our field, Doctor Stark. No one else can give you the quality product we can.”
“Exactly how is excellent quality nothing supposed to benefit myself or Global Dynamics? How exactly is excellent quality nothing supposed to advance your careers?” Nathan took a step forward and hid a grin as Parrish involuntarily took a step back. He continued, “Tell me again why I shouldn’t redact both of you and be done.”
Parrish opened and closed his mouth, but he couldn’t seem to find an answer he thought would be acceptable to Nathan. Bishop said, “Doctor Stark, would it be possible for us not to work together anymore? I love it here and don’t want to lose my job, but I can’t work with this man. Please consider reassigning me.”
Nathan said, “I’ll consider it. In the meantime, I want the two of you to go to the basement and retrieve cases twenty-eight through two-hundred-and-nineteen. Get them to the rotunda, open them, and get to work.
Both scientists looked at him in confusion and Bishop asked, “What’s in those cases?”
Smirking, Nathan said, “Christmas decorations. Now get to work before I have Fargo get the redaction forms.”
Nathan ignored their squawks of disbelief and indignation. He did, however, smile at Fargo’s smile of relief at not having to handle the Christmas decorations this year. He entered his office and closed the door behind him to shut out their babbling.
He hung his coat up and returned to the project proposals he needed to finish today. Some time later, there was a knock on his door and Fargo entered without waiting for an answer. Nathan watched from the corner of his eye as, without a word, the young man brought a plate of food and a cup of coffee to his desk and went back out the door.
Nathan really needed to give Fargo a raise, but that would go to his head.
He had just finished the project proposals—with only half an hour to spare—when he heard the shouting from the rotunda. He stood and looked out his floor-to-ceiling windows and saw Bishop and Parrish yelling and shooting each other with the specially made snow guns usually used only on the GD Christmas tree. He shook his head and pulled out his phone.
The call was answered with, “Go for Carter.”
“It’s Stark. Bishop and Parrish are shooting each other with snow guns in the middle of the rotunda.”
“I’m on my way.”
Nathan pressed the intercom and issued an order to Fargo.
Ten minutes later, Allison came barging into his office without knocking. She demanded, “Why are you just standing there watching them? Do something.”
Nathan didn’t bother looking at her as he said, “I am. Just be patient for a change.”
When Nathan saw Carter enter the rotunda, he left Allison standing in his office. By the time he got to the three of them, Carter had stopped the two from shooting each other and was ordering them to put the guns down.
Nathan said, “Here’s their order to stop. Henrietta Bishop, Isaac Parrish, you’re both redacted. Give Sheriff Carter your badges and leave this facility.”
Both scientists started talking at once. Jack let out a breath and gave up. He motioned to the security guards waiting patiently near them. The guards stepped forward and physically escorted Bishop and Parrish out. Not long after, two members of the redaction team followed with their personal belongings from their lab.
Nathan turned to find Allison standing right behind him. He asked, “Satisfied now?”
“I didn’t want them redacted, Nathan. You could have talked to them first.”
“I did talk to them when they came to me to complain about you threatening their jobs.”
Allison exclaimed, “They what?!”
Nathan smirked and said, “We both know that’s an accusation I should be reporting to General Mansfield so to pay me back for not doing that, you can find someone besides Fargo to clean this mess and finish decorating for Christmas.”
Nathan walked around her and back to his office. He sat down and pulled a bottle of ibuprofen from his desk drawer. He took two with his cold coffee and put the bottle back. He pressed a button on the underside of the desk and watched as the windows tinted.
He walked over and looked down at the mess the two unreliable scientists had caused. The “snow” wasn’t real snow, of course. It was made of white silky material that could still cause someone to fall and get hurt. People who were aware of this were giving the mess a wide berth.
A member of the cleaning staff arrived with “Caution” signs which he placed around the rotunda. Allison stood there on the phone looking angrier by the second. The member of the cleaning staff returned with a cart which he parked out of the way. All Nathan could see on the cart was three brooms, three dustpans, and a trash bag hanging under the cart handle.
Allison put her phone in her pocket and stood with her hands on her hips. Soon, three interns from Section Two arrived and hurried to her. Nathan watched as she pointed out the mess, the cart, and the decoration cases to the interns. Then she left them to it. The interns grabbed a broom each and began their work.
Nathan could tell by the direction she was walking that she was on her way to see him. He suddenly wished he’d forgone the ibuprofen and gotten the whiskey out of his wall safe behind his desk.
Nathan wasn’t at all surprised that she walked right past an objecting Fargo and right to him. He turned and said, “It’s okay, Fargo.”
Once Fargo had shut the door, Allison said, “You didn’t have to redact Bishop and Parrish. You could have kept one of them.”
Nathan said, “Allison, in case you didn’t notice either time you came in here today, my office is the office of the Director of Research of Global Dynamics. I deemed it in the best interest of GD and Eureka to redact both of them, so I redacted both of them.
“And while we’re on the subject of who makes the decisions around here, why did you not inform me of the explosion this morning? And please, give me an honest answer this time.”
“I didn’t feel it was something you needed to waste your time on.”
“But dealing with two childish scientists is something I need to waste my time on? Try again.”
Allison put her hands on her hips and said, “Fine. I didn’t want to deal with you. I only came to you about those two when nothing else worked.”
Nathan finally turned and faced her. With all of his authority, he said, “I am the first one you tell about any accident involving GD in any way. I am not the one who handles squabbles among scientists unless it’s serious. I am the one who decides who gets redacted and who doesn’t. You need to remember how things work around here, Ms. Blake. If you can’t, let me know so I can request a new DoD Liaison.”
“You wouldn’t dare do that because I’ll damn well let General Mansfield know your request is personal and not professional.”
“Neglect to inform me of something I need to know, turn to me to handle childish behavior, try to exert some authority over me when you have none, or walk by my assistant as though he doesn’t exist again, and I’ll have Admiral Fitzwallace on the phone before you storm out of my office.”
“Nathan!”
He said, “That’s Doctor Stark, Ms. Blake. I don’t know why you’ve suddenly decided to attempt to run me and GD, but it ends now. Do your job the way it’s supposed to be done, or I’ll make sure they get someone in here who will.”
“So now you want me out of Eureka.”
“I do not want you out of Eureka. I do not want you to lose your job. I want you to do your job as it should be done . However, I do want you out of my office now.”
Allison spun on her heel and stomped out of the office. Nathan shook his head at her childish behavior.
Nathan called loudly, “Fargo.”
Fargo came quickly into the office and said, “Yes, Doctor Stark?”
Nathan, in a much calmer tone, said, “If Ms. Blake ever ignores you and barges into my office like that again, call Sheriff Carter.”
“Yes, Sir. Is that just her or anyone who barges in?”
“Anyone. Though I don’t know of anyone else who would dare do that.”
Fargo said, “I do. Sheriff Carter.”
Nathan said, “Fair enough. Do you have the project approval letters ready yet?”
“I still have a few more to fill in, but most of them are ready.”
“Bring me the ones ready so I can start signing them.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Nathan spent the rest of his work day signing letters so Fargo could send them out the next morning. He left his office at 5:30 P. M. He stopped by Café Diem and got the special to go because wasn’t going to cook with his head hurting like this.
He ate as soon as he got home, took another dose of ibuprofen, took a steaming shower, and went to bed.
Chapter Two
Nathan woke and looked at the clock. It was a half hour before his alarm would go off; he turned the alarm off and got out of bed. He took a hot shower and then dressed for work.
Entering his kitchen to make himself some coffee, he discovered the remains of his dinner and trash from the night before. He started the coffee and picked up the remains while he waited.
Sitting down with his coffee, he opened his laptop and skimmed the morning news. He was pleased to learn that Admiral Fitzwallace and President Bartlett had worked out their differences and that Fitzwallace would remain Chairman of the Joint Chiefs.
He respected both men and felt they would work well together once they got past the awkward getting-to-know-you stage. Both were down to Earth, sensible men who preferred peace to war, freedom to regulation, and helping to using. With them in their current positions, Nathan didn’t worry about Allison or General Mansfield.
He turned his attention to his email. Over two-thirds of the scientists whose proposals he’d approved had sent messages of gratitude and promise of success. One email in particular caught his attention, and he opened it.
Weeks after the submission deadline and with his proposal already approved, Zane Donovan wanted to adjust his timeline. The only reason Nathan didn’t call Fargo and immediately cancel Donovan’s funding was that Donovan wanted to move his timetable up a week.
Nathan sent a reply to Donovan.
Mr. Donovan,
It is not a good idea to ask to change your proposal after submission, much less after approval is given. That said, given that you want to move up your timetable rather than extend it, I will allow it this once.
Please be advised, any mishap that occurs because of the schedule change will not look good for your continued employment at Global Dynamics.
Good luck on your project. I’ll be watching.
Nathan Stark
Nathan sent the email and put his laptop away. He gathered his coat and briefcase and left for work.
Feeling sluggish, he decided to stop at Café Diem for a Vinspresso before driving on to GD. Entering the café, he saw the sheriff sitting at the counter with a Vinspresso and a banana nut muffin.
He said, “Good morning, Sheriff. At it bright and early, I see.”
Jack said, “More like fighting to wake up. This is my third Vinspresso. It’s usually lunchtime before I’m on my third one.”
“I know how you feel. I had two cups of coffee at home and still need a Vinspresso.”
Vincent came over with Stark’s coffee and said, “Here you go, Doctor Stark. I hope you have an uneventful day.”
Nathan said, “So do I, Vincent, Thanks.”
Vincent moved on to another customer and Nathan asked, “Jack, would you be interested in having dinner with me tonight? I cook a decent steak.”
Jack asked, “Is this business or a date?”
Nathan said, “I’m hoping it’s a date.”
Smiling, Jack said, “It is. What time should I be there?”
Nathan smiled too and asked, “Is seven too late? I have a four-thirty meeting that may run over a bit.”
Jack said, “Seven is fine. I’ll see you then.”
Nathan left Café Diem feeling as though he were walking on air. He couldn’t wait for the day to be over so he could cook dinner for Jack tonight. He was grateful Jack agreed to the date and he hadn’t made a fool of himself.
No sooner than he reached his office, did Fargo turn his good mood around. The young man said, “Doctor Stark, a Mr. Sam Seaborn called this morning to make an appointment. He said he’s an attorney representing Henrietta Bishop and wants to discuss you reinstating her.”
Nathan asked, “What did you tell him?”
Fargo answered, “I gave him the latest appointment I could get away with. It’s in two weeks; Wednesday at two.”
Nathan nodded and said, “Good. I’ll figure out a way to cancel it by then.”
“Doctor Stark, why not reinstate Doctor Bishop. She really is the best in her field.”
Nathan almost didn’t stop the eye roll his assistant’s remark inspired. He explained, “Yes, she’s brilliant, but she let herself get sidetracked by personal matters to the point of not doing her work. She also participated in the childish act of a snow gun fight in the rotunda, creating a dangerous environment for everyone here. A little fun occasionally is fine, but not when it endangers the entire staff. Global needs scientists who are professional.”
Fargo nodded and said, “I understand. Should I have Sam Lovejoy looking for replacements for Bishop and Parrish or just one of them?”
Nathan said, “I think we can get away with one for now.”
Fargo nodded again as he made a note on his PDA. He looked up and said, “Oh, you wanted me to remind you of the town tree trimming this afternoon.”
“Already? I thought that was next week.”
“No, Sir, it’s today at one o’clock.”
“Do I have anything else scheduled at that time?”
Fargo knew but he double-checked his boss’ schedule anyway. He answered, “No, Sir. You wanted your schedule clear after lunch for the tree trimming and paperwork afterward. You’ve got two meetings and a video conference this morning, and that’s it for the day.”
Nathan said, “That’s good. Fargo, would you see what the cafeteria has for lunch today. I’m in the mood for grilled salmon, and I’m betting I’ll need to order it from Café Diem,”
“Grilled salmon, got it. I’ll take care of it, Doctor Stark.” Nathan walked to his office door, turned back to Fargo, and said, “At some point, I’m going to have to give you a raise. Not until it won’t go to your head, however.”
Fargo beamed as Nathan entered his office.
Coat hung up and briefcase placed by his desk, Nathan sat down and turned on his interactive desk. He pulled up the Eureka search engine and typed in Sam Seaborn.
The man had impressive credentials. He had been on track to make partner at a prestigious New York law firm until he quit to become part of the team that got President Bartlett elected. After the transition, he became a domestic advisor to the President, Presidential speech writer, and Deputy Director of Communications for the Bartlett Administration.
He left the Bartlett Administration to run for congress in Orange County, California, an election he lost by a substantial margin. Now he was working at a prestigious law firm in California. What was a man like this doing taking a case of potential wrongful dismissal?
Had Nathan missed something?
He pulled up Henrietta Bishop’s personnel file and looked it over. She was the granddaughter of Walter Bishop, the world’s most famous mad scientist who believed he could cross over to another universe.
Nathan kept digging and found his answer. Henrietta was the goddaughter of General Philip Broyles, the man who ran the top secret Fringe Division, a group of law enforcement agents from the FBI, Homeland Security, and other agencies who investigated things that seemingly defied the laws of nature.
Nathan knew the division had run up on some very odd things that current scientific understanding didn’t cover, and he’d been sorely tempted when asked to join the Fringe Division. He turned it down because he knew he’d never be able to work with Walter Bishop. The man was unquestionably unbalanced. Now he understood why Henrietta Bishop was so easily distracted from her work by an OCD perfectionist like Parrish.
That didn’t matter, however. She failed to produce anything in the last three years. He probably should have redacted her sooner, but he had hoped the team of Bishop and Parrish would produce amazing things.
Nathan closed the search engine and Bishop’s file. He pulled up the information he would need for his first meeting of the day. He sighed knowing this was going to be a meeting that required more coffee. Doctor Banner’s tone and cadence could be marketed as a cure for insomnia.
Just before noon, Fargo knocked on his door and brought him a grilled salmon meal from Café Diem. Nathan ate as he reviewed updates on several projects the DoD wanted completed quickly. Five of the seven were complete, one needed one last field test, and the last one was a complete failure. Mansfield would be satisfied, if not happy.
Ten minutes after one o’clock, Nathan stood in the crowd with Jack and Zoe Carter and listened as Mayor Henry Deacon gave his speech about Eureka being a family and this holiday season was the perfect time to show appreciation for being together, healthy, and happy.
After the speech, as the tree trimming began, Zoe pulled Nathan aside and said, “So you have a date with my dad tonight.”
Nathan smiled and said, “Yes, I’m lucky enough to have a date with Jack tonight. Is this my hurt-him-and-no-one-will-find-my-body talk?”
Zoe laughed and said, “This is your it’s-about-damn-time talk. You and my dad are great together. I just wanted to say I’m happy you’re finally taking that step.”
Nathan put his arm around Zoe’s shoulder and said, “I was worried you would be unhappy about us dating.”
She chuckled and said, “As long as my dad’s happy, I’d be okay with him dating Seth Osborne.”
Nathan feigned anger and said, “Good God, Zoe. Don’t insult your father like that.”
Zoe laughed and said, “Trust me, I’m very happy it’s you and not Seth.”
With a smile and a squeeze of her shoulders, Nathan said, “So am I.”
The two rejoined Jack so they each could put an ornament on the tree. When it was Zoe’s turn, Nathan picked her up so she could hang her ornament higher than his or her dad’s.
Nathan went back to work after the festivities ended. The first paperwork he chose to catch up on was attendance because it was the easiest. Some places had to deal with chronic tardiness or excessive absences, but the scientists employed at Global Dynamics loved their work to the point that they hated to take a day off for any reason. It took him less than ten minutes to document the work ethics of over a thousand people.
The next stack up was complaints against scientists and section heads. He found only one issue that would require further investigation. Zane Donovan was accused of taking a piece of equipment from a lab in Section Three without permission. He buzzed Fargo and asked him to call Zane Donovan to his office.
When Zane arrived, Nathan indicated he should have a seat. Nathan said, “I’ll get straight to the point, Donovan. The molecular electrode array.”
Zane nodded and said, “Yeah, I borrowed it. I needed it quickly, and everyone in lab six was out to lunch. I knew it wouldn’t take me long, so I grabbed it, did what I needed to do, and returned it. If I were trying to steal it, I wouldn’t have returned it, especially when everyone was back from lunch.”
Nathan sighed and said, “Donovan, you can’t just take what you want from another lab. We have rules for a reason. I’m not going to pursue this, this time , but if you’re caught doing something like this again, I’ll have to take action.”
“I get it, Doctor Stark. And thank you for letting it slide this time. I’m just having a little trouble following rules. I’ve always done everything I can to break them.”
Nathan smiled and said, “I know. That’s one reason I like you, you don’t bow down to anyone. But there’s something you have to realize: antagonizing your coworkers will come back to bite you in the ass. Call me next time. You can’t get in trouble if you have my permission to use the equipment.”
Zane smiled again and said, “I’m betting you want me to tell everyone you chewed my ass out?”
Smirking, Nathan said. “I wasn’t going to ask you to, but if you choose to, I won’t contradict you.”
Zane said, “It keeps your reputation and satisfies the lab six geeks. Win, win.”
Nathan laughed and said, “Get back to work, Donovan. You’ve got a deadline looming.”
Zane left with his head hanging and looking as though he could murder someone. Nathan smiled and returned to his paperwork.
Finishing much sooner than expected, Nathan left work early. He stopped at the grocery store and grabbed a few items. From there, he stopped by Café Diem and picked up some fresh baked yeast rolls. When he got home, he put the items away and took a hot shower.
He had just finished tossing the salad when Jack rang the doorbell.
The men sat down to eat, and Jack nearly groaned in delight at the steak. He asked, “Where did you learn to cook like this? It’s better than Vincent’s.”
Nathan said, “Cooking is just chemistry. Once you learn the ingredients and what they do, it’s easier than riding a bike.”
“Is there anything you’re not good at?”
Laughing, Nathan answered, “If there is, I haven’t found it yet. The only thing I’ve ever failed at was my marriage to Allison.”
Jack picked up his wine glass and stared at it for a moment. He finally said, “I got a strange call today. Some guy named Sam Seaborne wanted to know if I’d give an affidavit and testify that Isaac Parrish made a habit of taunting Henrietta Bishop in order to make himself look like the better scientist.”
“What did you tell him?”
“I told him the truth. What I saw was the two of them taunting and terrorizing each other. From my perspective, neither of them was completely innocent.”
Nathan smiled and said, “I’m so glad you told him that.”
“Has anyone you’ve redacted ever gotten a lawyer before?”
“No, this is a first. I was surprised until I did some digging and discovered that Bishop is the goddaughter of General Phillip Broyles, a man who has close ties to the DoD.”
“Ah. So are you going to reinstate her?”
“Not a chance. You saw what she was doing on the rotunda. That is not at all the kind of employee Global Dynamics needs.”
“Thank God. I was worried you might do it as a favor to someone or to get that lawyer off your back.”
“Really? You think I can’t handle a lawyer?”
“I think you’ve got a million other things to worry about. Getting that lawyer out of the picture would make your life easier.”
“My life wouldn't be at all easier with Bishop botching her work or everyone else thinking that hiring an attorney would get them their jobs back if I redact them.”
“Fair enough. Enough business talk. What have you got planned for the holiday?”
“Nothing really. I was hoping to spend at least part of the day with Kevin, but after I chastised Allison yesterday afternoon, I doubt that is going to happen.”
“Why don’t you spend it with us? Henry will be with Grace. Jo’s going home to see her brothers and her dad. Zane’s going to see his mom. Fargo’s going to see his grandparents. It’s just Zoe and me right now. You’re more than welcome to join us.”
“Are you sure Zoe would be okay with that?”
Smirking, Jack said, “She’s the one who suggested I invite you. Seems my little delinquent likes the idea of us dating.”
“I expected the overprotective kill-you-and-hide-your-body speech, but she was encouraging when she and I spoke. I’m glad she’s okay with us.”
“Me too. I’d kind of like to keep this up for a while.”
“Well, you and I are on the same page about that.”
Chapter Three
Nathan and Jack began to see each other every day. Sometimes it was lunch at Café Diem, in Nathan’s office, in the GD cafeteria, or at the Sheriff’s Office. Other times it was dinner at Café Diem, at one of their offices, or at one of their homes.
SARAH was particularly happy when they ate at the bunker. She would go all out with the fanciest dinner Jack would allow her to prepare. She always had soft music playing, not overtly romantic but close. She always dimmed the lights. Again, not overtly romantic but close.
Nathan just grinned as Jack rolled his eyes at SARAH’s antics.
Nathan was sitting at his desk reading the world’s most boring progress report ever written when he realized the best part of his day had become his time with Jack. He wondered if it was time to take the next step and kiss the man senseless.
If he did, it certainly wouldn’t be at the bunker where they were having dinner tonight with Zoe and Lucas. It wouldn’t be in either of their offices either. They wouldn’t be having dinner at his house for another four days. He wondered if he could wait that long.
Nathan loved having dinner at the bunker with or without Zoe there. Time alone with Jack was wonderful, but time with Jack and Zoe was almost as good. He could sit and watch, or join in, as the Carters bickered all day. There were insults and backhanded compliments, none of which were with malice. There were threats and ultimatums, usually made with good intentions. There was candor and love that gave the bunker true warmth and made it a real home.
With Jack’s daughter upstairs and a nosy AI recording everything, that was not where he intended to have his first real kiss with Jack. Sure they’d kissed already. There were kisses on the cheek when greeting each other. There were kisses on the lips when they were parting. But they hadn’t yet had their first real soul stirring, leg weakening, heart pounding kiss. He intended to rectify that very soon.
He enjoyed dinner with the Carters and Lucas that night. While Jack was sitting with Nathan’s arm around his shoulders, he scolded, “You know the rule, Lucas. Three feet.”
Exasperated, Zoe said, “You’re scolding us about three feet when you’re almost in Doctor Stark’s lap?”
“There’s a big difference, young lady. We’re adults and know how to control ourselves. You’re teenagers with zero control over raging hormones.”
Lucas, suitably chastised and sitting the appropriate distance from Zoe now, pretended to be engrossed in the TV show they were watching. Zoe said, “Doctor Stark, a little help here?”
Smirking, Nathan said, “Jack it’s wrong of you to make the kids sit three feet apart. You should be making them sit four feet apart.”
Zoe pointed her finger at him and said, “You know, I really do know where to hide your body so that it won’t be found in my lifetime.”
Nathan laughed and said, “Would you really make your father arrest you for murder?”
Zoe huffed, turned back toward the television, and crossed her arms over her abdomen.
Jack lightly elbowed Nathan as he tried his best not to burst out laughing. Nathan grinned unrepentantly.
Nathan, with Fargo’s help, was able to get out of his office earlier than expected two evenings later. He called Jack and said, “Change of plans. I’m getting out of work early so how about I pick up dinner at Café Diem and we meet at my house?”
Jack said, “That sounds good. I like it better when we’re not at one of our offices.”
“So do I. I’ll see you at five-thirty?”
Jack said, “Five-thirty.”
Nathan had everything ready when Jack arrived. They ate, had some wine, and moved into the living room. Rather than sitting in the chairs by the fireplace as they usually did, Nathan urged Jack to the comfortable sofa.
Nathan soon pulled Jack closer and leaned in to kiss him. Jack met him halfway. Neither man wanted to keep it chaste this time. When their lips parted and their tongues touched, Nathan felt as though fireworks had been set off in his body. Every nerve ending tingled; every sense focused solely on Jack and the feeling of their mouths together.
He’d never had a similar feeling when kissing anyone else, even Allison. He knew then that he wanted to spend the rest of his life in Jack Carter’s arms.
They kissed for over an hour before Jack pulled back. He fought to catch his breath before he said, “If we don’t stop now, we’re going to do something we’re not quite ready for, something that might mess things up between us. I do not want to mess things up between us.”
Nathan fought the desire raging through his body and said, “We aren’t going to do anything we’re not both ready for.”
An hour later, Jack went home, and Nathan went to bed and dreamed of Jack in a tux as they took their vows before the entire town.
If not for Fargo, Christmas would have snuck up on him. Fargo knocked on his door and entered when Nathan gave his permission.
Fargo asked, “Doctor Stark, are there any last minute presents you’d like me to take care of?”
Nathan looked up from the report he was reading and asked, “What’s today?”
Fargo answered, “It’s December twenty-second.”
“Damn. No, I’ll get the presents. I need you to clear my schedule for the rest of the day. Reschedule any appointments for after New Year’s and extend my apologies.”
“Yes, Sir. You only have appointments with Doctor Young about the sexual harassment seminar she’s proposing and Doctor Taggart about his proposal to crossbreed wolves with zebras.”
Nathan rolled his eyes and said, “That is not going to happen. I’ll see you tomorrow, Fargo. Merry Christmas.”
Shocked, Fargo replied, “Merry Christmas, Doctor Stark.”
Nathan went to Eureka Jewels with two particular pieces in mind. He hoped it wasn’t too late to get them.
Freddie, the jewelry store owner, asked, “What can I do for you , Doctor Stark?”
Nathan said, “I need a very special man’s watch, one with date, time, an alarm, and backlighting and a delicate chain with a wolf head charm.”
Removing a watch from under the counter and placing it on top, Freddie said, “I think I have just the watch for you right here.”
Nathan looked it over and smiled. It had what he requested and a brown leather strap. Nathan asked, “Can you engrave the back for me?”
“Certainly. What would you like on it?”
“For all the time I want to spend with you.”
“That’s beautiful. Now let’s see if I can find the charm you described.”
Freddie wasn’t able to find a wolf head, but he found something Nathan thought was even better. It was a small, elegant vampire charm. Considering her favorite show was about vampires, Nathan thought she might like it.
He waited while Freddie engraved the watch and wrapped both presents. To pass the time, he browsed the wedding rings displayed in one counter. He saw a ring he thought was perfect. It was platinum and engraved with the infinity symbol all around it.
Zoe was nearly bouncing with anticipation on Christmas morning when, after breakfast, they sat down to exchange gifts. Jack insisted on giving his first.
Jack picked up a gift from under the tree and handed it to Nathan. Nathan smiled and opened the package to reveal a set of handkerchiefs, half with the Eureka emblem and half with the GD emblem hand embroidered on them.
Nathan said, “Jack, I love them. Thank you.” Then he leaned over and kissed his boyfriend deeply.
After the perfunctory parental PDA complaint, Jack handed Zoe her present. She was vibrating with excitement as she tore the paper off and ripped open the box. She emitted a high pitched squeal at the four Gold Weekend Admission tickets to the convention for her favorite show.
Jack said, “I thought you, Pilar, Nathan and I might enjoy the convention.”
Zoe jumped up and threw her arms around her father’s neck, saying, “Thank you, thank you, thank you. I promise we’ll be good. I’ll even clean the kitchen tonight by myself.”
Nathan asked, “What convention are we going to?”
Zoe said, “It’s a convention where the actors from my favorite show do Q&A panels, sign autographs, do meet & greets, and pose for photos with fans. I get to meet Ian in person!” She squealed again.
Nathan just shook his head as Jack said, “Okay, Zoe, your turn.”
Zoe grabbed two presents from under the tree and handed one to Jack. Jack unwrapped the box and gave his daughter a huge grin as he pulled out a mint condition Jackie Robinson baseball card.
Zoe said, “I thought it might be time to start rebuilding your collection.”
Jack gave her a huge hug and said, “Thank you, Sweetheart. I love it.”
Zoe then handed Nathan a box and said, “There are two in there; one for your office, and one for your house.”
Nathan opened the box to feel his heart begin to melt. There were two framed photos of him, Jack, and Zoe in the living room of the bunker. They were seated on the couch with him in the middle. Nathan stared and smiled. His voice hoarse, he said, “You couldn’t have chosen a better present, Zoe. It’s absolutely perfect. Thank you.”
Zoe smiled and said, “I’ve got one in my room, and dad has one in his. Now I’ll put one in here.”
Nathan said, “My turn. SARAH, activate Christmas One.”
SARAH made some electronic beeping sounds and then exclaimed, “Doctor Stark, this is wonderful. I can’t thank you enough.”
Jack asked, “What did you do?”
Nathan said, “I gave her access to Eureka’s security cameras. She can alert you to any problem she sees, link the feed to your PDA, and let Lupo know if you need assistance.”
Zoe said, “You gave her another way to take care of Dad. No wonder she’s so happy.”
Jack said, “That and she gets to be nosy about where I am and what I’m doing.”
Zoe said, “That too.”
Nathan sarcastically said, “Wow. I didn’t think about that.”
Jack slapped Nathan’s shoulder and pointed at him without saying a word. He didn’t have to. Nathan knew that meant he would pay for this later.
Nathan handed Zoe her gift and hoped she liked it after such a major present from her dad.
Zoe squealed so loudly that Nathan’s ears rang for minutes afterward. She jumped up to let him put the necklace on her. “She kissed him on the cheek and said, “It’s perfect. Thank you, Doctor Stark. I can wear it to the convention and show it off to everyone.”
Nathan said, “Here’s another small gift for you. I help you with your homework; I watch movies with you, your dad, and your boyfriend; I’m at your house more than your boyfriend is. I think it’s time you start calling me Nathan.”
She grinned from ear to ear and said, “Thank you, Nathan. I love my necklace.”
Nathan handed Jack his gift. Jack opened it and smiled like a little boy getting his first bike.
Nathan said, “Turn it over.”
Jack turned it over and read the engraved words. He swallowed and asked, “Nathan, is this…is this…"
Nathan slid from the couch down to one knee and asked, “Will you marry me, Jack?”
For a long moment, there was nothing but absolute silence in the bunker. Even SARAH had stopped the carols in the background. Nathan waited patiently; Jack stared at the watch and then at Nathan and back; and Zoe stared at them both.
Jack swallowed again and slid down to the floor with Nathan. He said, “Absolutely.”
The men kissed as Zoe and SARAH both whooped in joy. SARAH resumed the carols, only more upbeat ones and louder. Zoe was bouncing in her chair as she grabbed her phone to call Jo Lupo.
Nathan Stark was happier than he’d ever been.
Chapter Four
Nathan woke to light slaps to his cheek and a worried male voice calling his name. He opened his eyes as far as he could to see Jack leaning over him.
He heard another voice from downstairs, “Sheriff Carter?”
Jack called out, “Upstairs, second door on the right.”
Nathan tried to get up, but he realized he wasn’t actually moving at all. He tried to ask Jack what was going on, but he couldn’t make a sound; he wasn’t even sure his mouth opened to try. He looked at Jack again, his eyes wide in curiosity, and not a little fear.
Jack noticed and said, “Don’t worry, Nathan. We’re going to take care of you. Everything is going to be okay.”
Nathan tried again to speak. Jack realized it and said, “Don’t talk, just stay calm. It’s going to be okay.”
Nathan felt warmth on his palm and realized Jack was holding his hand. Whatever was happening to him must be serious.
He heard other people entering the room, and felt Jack move away from him. Someone was putting something on his arm. Someone else was putting something around his neck.
He wanted to know what was going on, but everything started getting dark. Then everything went black.
Nathan opened his eyes again and realized he was in the infirmary. He cautiously tried to move and was able to raise his hand to his face. There was an oxygen cannula under his nose, but no tube down his throat. He was grateful for that.
He continued exploring and discovered a bandage around his head. He knew to leave it alone. He brought his hand in front of his face and saw the IV. He ran his hand up his arm and found the expected blood pressure cuff.
He turned his head as far as he could and tried to see the readings on the monitor. He couldn’t turn quite far enough. A male voice said, “Blood pressure is one-twenty-six over eighty-one, pulse rate is sixty-seven, and O2 stat is ninety-seven. You’re going to be fine, Nathan.”
Nathan turned his head in the other direction and smiled at his friend, Doctor Henry Deacon. He was glad to see the scientist and to know he would be okay.
With a hoarse voice, Nathan said, “That’s good to know. What happened?”
Henry said, “You took quite a fall. We were worried for a while.”
Nathan said, “Head injury, then.”
Henry said, “Severe head injury. You’ve been comatose for eight days. They had to perform a Burr Hole to reduce the pressure on your brain. You’re lucky to be alive.”
Nathan smirked and said, “It’ll take more than that to do me in.”
Henry smiled and said, “With a head as hard as yours, I don’t doubt it.”
Nathan smiled at his friend and then looked around the room. He asked, “Where are Jack and Zoe?”
Henry asked, “Jack and Zoe? When did you start calling Carter Jack and why would you expect Zoe to be here?”
“Because Jack and I are engaged? Henry, what's wrong with you?”
Henry said, “Nathan, You and Jack aren’t engaged. You’re not even dating. You’re just now to the point that you can be in the same room without fighting.”
“Henry, what day is it?”
Henry said, “It’s November twenty-eighth.”
Nathan closed his eyes and softly said, “It was all a dream.”
Henry asked, “What was a dream?”
Nathan held his hand up and said, “It’s nothing. How long am I stuck in here?”
“You’re going to be here at least another week so we can keep an eye on you.”
Nathan closed his eyes tight and fought the tears that threatened to overwhelm him. He said, “Henry, let’s keep the things I just said between us? For my sanity’s sake?”
“Of course, Nathan. I just wish you’d tell me more so I can help you.”
“You can help me by forgetting everything I said.”
Henry said, “I’m going to get you a mild sedative so you can rest. I’ll be right back.”
Of course Nathan’s luck was crappy so Allison chose the moment Henry was out of sight to walk into his private room.
She demanded, “What happened, Nathan?’
Nathan answered, “I’m sure you already know I fell and injured my head.”
“I want to hear the details from you.”
“I’m not feeling up to talking right now, Allison.”
“That’s too bad for you. Tell me what happened.”
Nathan looked his ex-wife in the eye and said, “You seem to have forgotten who runs Global Dynamics, Ms. Blake. Let me refresh your memory: it’s me, not you. I said I don’t feel like talking. Now I’d appreciate it if you’d remember your place as DoD Liaison and my ex -wife and leave my room.”
“Nathan!”
Nathan nearly yelled, “Doctor Stark, Ms. Blake.”
Allison whirled around and walked out of the room. Nathan vaguely wondered how many times he was going to have to have that conversation. Or maybe he should just request a new DoD Liaison. Either way, he’d deal with it later. He had enough to deal with right now with all the false memories swirling around in his head.
Henry returned and administered the sedative. Nathan turned his head toward the wall and allowed the memories to assail him: dinners with Jack alone; dinners with Jack and Zoe; picnics in Copernicus Park and at Lake Archimedes; movies with Zoe and Zoe and Lucas; proposing to Jack on Christmas morning with Zoe there holding her breath for her dad’s answer. It was all too much. Tears fell from Nathan’s eyes as the sedative took hold and put him to sleep.
Chapter Five
Nathan next woke to find Jack Carter, of all people, sitting beside his bed.
Jack said, “Hey there. It’s good to see you awake. You had us all worried.”
Nathan was as short as he could be without being outright rude as he said, “No need to worry about me, Sheriff. I’ll be fine. I’m sure you have better things to do than visit me.”
Jack said, only half in jest because of Nathan’s tone, “You know there are easier ways of getting out of our date.”
Nathan looked at the sheriff and asked, “Our date?”
Jack frowned and said, “You don’t remember. The day before Whitticus’ lab exploded, you asked me to your place for dinner that Friday.”
Nathan squinted and asked, “I did? I’m sorry, Jack, I don’t remember that, but if you said yes, I certainly don’t want to get out of it.”
Jack smiled and said, “Good. We’ll talk about that as soon as you’re out of here. Henry said it’ll be about a week before they’re comfortable releasing you.”
“That’s what he told me. If there’s one person in this town who hates being in the infirmary worse than you, it’s me.”
“I asked him if staying with me so SARAH can monitor you would be okay. He wants you here in case there’s an emergency.”
Nathan looked at Jack for a moment and asked, “You would do that for me?”
Jack grinned and said, “Of course I would. Plus, it would mean guaranteed dates for a while.”
Nathan asked, “I know this is off topic, but have you gotten Zoe’s Christmas present yet?”
Jack looked at Nathan quizzically but answered the question, “No, but I was thinking about taking her to a fan convention for her favorite show.”
Nathan smiled and said, “Do it. I guarantee she’ll love it.”
“How could you possibly know that?”
“I’m a scientist, Sheriff. I observe things.”
“Yeah, only if you go with us so I can stay halfway sane through the weekend.”
Nathan shocked Jack and said, “Deal.”
Jack asked, “Really?”
“Really. I’ll even pay for the rooms and photo ops.”
Jack asked, “Did the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future visit you while you were in that coma?”
Nathan laughed and said, “If they did, I don’t remember it. I just like the idea of spending time with you and Zoe away from the hell that GD and Eureka can be.”
Jack smiled and said, “Then you have a deal. This is going to be one interesting trip. Are you sure you can handle two teenage girls squealing over a hot guy for days?”
Nathan said, “I’ll be too bust quietly squealing over my own hot guy to let them bother me.”
Jack blushed and Nathan smiled.
Nathan asked, “Jack, would you do me a favor? Henry won’t let me have my phone and I need to make a call.”
Jack asked, “Is it work?”
“Mostly, and time sensitive.”
Jack debated but handed Nathan his phone. He said, “I’ll be back in ten minutes to take it away from you, done or not.”
Nathan nodded and began dialing a number he memorized a long time ago.”
When the phone was answered, Nathan said, “General Mansfield, it’s Nathan Stark. I need to speak with you about a new DoD Liaison for Global Dynamics.”
Mansfield asked, “Why would you want a new Liaison, Doctor Stark?”
“For some reason, Ms. Blake has forgotten that, one, she is my ex-wife and not my boss, and two, that she is the DoD Liaison and does not, in fact, run GD.”
“This sounds like a personal problem to me, Doctor Stark.”
“Oh, it is, General. She stated that she failed to inform me of an explosion on GD property simply because she didn’t feel like dealing with me. She has developed the habit of simply walking into my office as though I might not be working on material classified above her clearance, something a wife might do with her husband.”
“Have you mentioned this to her?”
“Of course, I have. Her reaction was to spin on her heels and walk away. In the past, that reaction has meant, ‘I know you’re right but I don’t care and will do what I want anyway’.”
“If, if I agree, who would you recommend as her replacement?”
“I suggest Henry Deacon. He’s cross discipline trained, well respected by the scientists here, and already has the highest clearance the DoD issues.”
“Henry Deacon and the Department of Defense do not see eye to eye on anything, Doctor Stark. Why would we make him the liaison?”
“You would do it because it makes sense. You don’t want a sycophant promising weapons of amazing caliber when there’s no guarantee such weapons can be developed. We don’t want every project here turned into a weapon. Henry can find the medium we all want and need.”
“Are you certain he would do it?”
“Not a hundred percent, no. However, I believe the chance to explain to you and the others why a particular project is not advisable would be a positive influence for him.”
“Let me see what I can do, Doctor. I’ll get back in touch with you soon.”
“If you can’t reach me, you can leave the details with Doctor Fargo. He’ll let me know immediately.”
“Are you about to increase Doctor Fargo’s security clearance?”
“That will come automatically with his promotion to Senior Executive Assistant to the Director of Global Dynamics.”
“From personal assistant to top level assistant just like that? I assume you have a good reason for such a leap in status.”
“Let’s just say I’ve recently come to realize how much I rely on the young man and what an excellent job he does.”
“Very well, then. I’ll approve Fargo’s promotion and look into the liaison issue. Anything else I can do for you, Doctor?”
“Not at the moment, General. Thank you for taking care of these issues for me.”
“Until next time then.”
The men disconnected the call and Nathan made another one.
“Freddie, it’s Nathan Stark.”
“What can I do for you, Doctor Stark?”
“I need two very specific gifts for the upcoming holiday. A men’s brown leather band watch with backlight, alarm, and date functions and a delicate gold chain with an accompanying vampire charm.”
Freddie said, “I think I have just the watch in stock. Is the charm relevant to that show the teenagers love so much?”
“As a matter of fact, it is.”
Freddie said, “I have the perfect thing for that, too. Would you like the watch engraved?”
Nathan said, “Yes.” He almost asked for the same engraving he’d had done in his dream but caught himself. He said, “I’d like it to say, ‘May Christmas last all year’.”
“That’s a very pleasant thought, Doctor Stark. I’ll have these wrapped and ready for you by the end of business today.”
Nathan said, “Please put post-it notes on them so I know which is which. I’ll be sending Fargo to get them, and he will mix them up otherwise.”
Freddie chuckled and said, “Not a problem, Doctor Stark.”
Nathan disconnected the phone and called Fargo. He said, “I need to see you after lunch.”
“Of course, Doctor Stark. I was…”
Nathan disconnected the call because Carter was coming back in the door, and Nathan didn’t want the sheriff to know who he was talking to. He willingly surrendered his phone even before Jack asked for it.
Jack took the phone and eyed Nathan suspiciously. He said, “I expected to have to fight you for this.”
“Not this time. If I want you to trust me, I have to be trustworthy.”
“That would be a good thing to remember the next time you utter the words, ‘That’s classified’ when I’m asking you about something that may dissolve Eureka.”
Nathan smiled and asked, “You would deprive me of the fun of watching you turn ten shades of red?”
“Yes! Wait, you say that for fun?”
“Sometimes, yes. Since my secret’s out, I won’t be doing that anymore.”
“You are such an arrogant bastard. Why in the world did I agree to go out with you?”
“Because you’re as fascinated with me as I am with you, Jack Carter. I can’t wait to see where this goes.”
Jack settled down and grinned. He said, “Fair enough. I’m kind of curious too.”
Nathan said, “As much as I enjoy spending time with you, don’t you have some sheriffing to do?”
Jack rolled his eyes and said, “Yeah, I suppose I do. I’ll stop back in later with some decent food for you.”
Nathan said, “That would be fantastic, seeing you and eating decent food.”
Jack smiled and left the room.
Fargo came in after lunch. The first thing Nathan said was, “I apologize for hanging up on you Fargo. Someone was coming, and I wasn’t supposed to have my phone.”
Fargo stared at his boss, thoughts of clones, pod people, and NPCs briefly crossing his mind. He said, “I understand, Doctor Stark. What can I do for you?”
“Well, for starters Douglas, you can start calling me Nathan. Also I need you to bring me form 704/P and it will need to be filed in triplicate. General Mansfield should be calling in a few days about a new DoD Liaison. Keep that to yourself, Douglas. Take down the details and let me know as soon as you can after he calls. Also, I have an order in with Freddie that should be ready by the end of business. Would you mind picking that up for me?”
“Consider it done, Doctor, um, Nathan. Why such secrecy?”
“Well, first, you’re about to get details above your clearance. Don’t worry Mansfield gave his okay. Second, my doctors don’t want me working right now, but there are things that need to be done even if I am injured. Third, I’m doing something I want you to be surprised about.”
“Okay then. Should I leave that order in your office?”
“No, my keys are in my pants pocket over on the chair. I was hoping you would leave them on my kitchen table.”
Fargo nearly squawked, “You’re trusting me with your keys? In your house alone? What happened to you in that coma, Nathan?”
Nathan laughed at his assistant. He said, “ It was the ghost of a potential Christmas future. No, I didn’t see Jacob Marley, or any ghost for that matter. I dreamed of how my life could be, and I liked it. Now I’m going to do everything I can to make my life that way.”
Fargo smiled and said, “If we could market that, we’d never need funding from the DoD again.”
Nathan smiled and said, “Go on Douglas, get out of here. You’re going above and beyond the call of duty today so get it done and take the rest of the day off.”
Fargo smiled widely and said, “Thank you, Nathan. I will.”
Fargo left and Nathan took a nap.
Chapter Six
Upon Nathan’s discharge, he surprised everyone in the town by spending as much time as he could with the Carters. By Christmas, Jack and Nathan were an established couple and talk about them was dying down.
Fargo had received his promotion and was becoming more and more reliable by the day. Henry Deacon was doing an excellent job as the DoD Liaison. Allison had been offered the Head of Medical at GD but had chosen another option. She left Eureka for CERN two days before Nathan was released from the infirmary.
Nathan had been given the perfect Christmas gift that year. It wasn’t blueprints; it was more like a guidebook for his life. He followed it as closely as he could until, the next Christmas, he proposed to Jack during Christmas dinner with Zoe, Henry, Grace, Fargo, Jo, Zane, Pilar, and Lucas present. He had tears in his eyes when Jack said yes.