“Well, you have always had a little flair for the dramatic. You’ll be fine, brother. You’re a dedicated agent. They’re lucky to have you. With your experience, you could easily be a private investigator or a pilot. You could make so much more money in the private sector.”
“Maybe. But you know how I feel about money as a motivating factor. I’m more interested in service to country.”
“I know. I’m just saying there are other options out there besides the government. But you’ll be just fine once you explain that you were trying to avoid embarrassing the Service.”
“They might give me a few days’ suspension without pay.”
“Then you can come visit me in Japan! We can hang out together on the beach in Zushi. We’ll spend my money. I can also introduce you to some of my cute Japanese coworkers. I’ve told them all about you. They’d love to meet an American gentleman like you.”
Cain laughed. “I’d love to visit you, but that flight would be brutal. What’s it—about fourteen hours?”
“I’ll use my family perks and get you upgraded to business class.”
“That sounds nice, but like you said, I’m sure everything will work out once I explain what happened. Then I’ll be back on the president’s schedule soon.”
“Sucks for me. I was looking forward to hosting you on this side of the world, especially before summertime. Vacation season picks up and all our flights are booked. I’m already having to cover extra routes.”
“That must be why Pops said he couldn’t reach you last week.”
“Yeah, probably. I was flying to either Seoul, Guam, Hong Kong, or Singapore. We’re trying to compete with the Asian airlines. It’s tough! They’re paying their flight attendants peanuts.”
He laughed.
“What’s so funny?”
“Nothing.”
“No, really. What was so funny?”
“When you serve your customers peanuts, expect to be paid in peanuts.”
“That’s domestic! Not international.”
“Just don’t fly yourself to death,” Cain said. “I read an article that the Japanese are dealing with a crisis: employees are working themselves to death. There was a photo of Japanese men sleeping at their cubicles.”
“Sometimes I get the impression that Japan’s national motto is Work Harder, Not Smarter. But I like my job as a flight attendant, and I like it here in Tokyo. I feel really safe.” Bonnie changed the subject. “Have you talked to Mom and Pops lately?”
“Not since before I left. You?”
“It’s been about two weeks. It was so funny watching them try to use Skype. Pops can fly an airplane but can’t operate a smartphone.”
Cain and Bonnie laughed together.
“Well, in all fairness,” he said, “his airplane is older than us!”
“And with the way he cares for it, it’ll probably outlive us all.” She laughed. “Did he send you the usual birthday present?”
“Yup, a box of Community Coffee’s dark roast with chicory.”
“I don’t know how the Lemaire men can drink that nasty crap. Way too strong for me.”
“It’ll certainly put some hair on your chest.”
She laughed. “That’s not the look I’m going for. Just make sure not to drink too much of it, or you’ll never get any sleep.”
“Okay, Mom.”
“Hey! I’m just concerned. You told me you were still having nightmares.”
“You can’t have nightmares if you aren’t sleeping.”
“That’s why I sent you the CD! Have you talked to the Secret Service psychologist?”
“God, no! They claim to be confidential, but if the Service is paying their salary, that’s who they’re loyal to.”
“Have you considered talking to a priest?”
He paused before responding. “I haven’t been to a church in years. You know that.”
“Well, I’m here for you, brother. I know this sounds bad, but I hope they suspend you.”
“What?”
“You need a vacation, and I’d love to see you in Japan.”
“I don’t need a vacation.”
“You’re just like Pops. You’ll work till the day you’re dead.”
“Sounds like you, too. Hey, keep your eyes open. I sent your birthday gift with some extra things, too, so you can share it with your colleagues.”
“I can’t wait! You’re always so thoughtful.”
“You, too, sis. Well, I better sign off. Gotta get ready for my meeting.”
“You have a meeting on a Saturday?”
“This investigation is kicking into overdrive. LeRoy wants to know my side of what happened, and nobody cares whether it’s Saturday or Sunday.”
“Good luck with the King!” she said. “Call to update me right after. Love you.”
Chapter 12
Cain enjoyed cooking, but he hadn’t shopped since his trip. He opened the refrigerator and saw it was empty, except for leftover Chinese, a bottle of mustard, some salsa, eggs, and a few bottles of Coke—the ones