EdenvalesSecret
Page 7
Chapter Eighteen
The Future
Hudson Brody templed his fingers together and examined Kris after he had given his debriefing. “So,” Hudson mused, “you thought it could be her for a while there?”
“Yes,” Kris admitted. “All the signs pointed that way.”
“I’ve got to tell you, I’m impressed.”
“What?”Kris asked in a shocked tone.
“Yes, impressed. You kept an open mind, Kris. Hard to do under the heat of the chase. And, most of all, you beat your demons.”
“I’m not sure.”
“Yes, you did,” Hudson never said anything unless he meant it. “You came face to face with your ultimate fear and you controlled it. Your fear, your rage, your emotions. You controlled them all. And do you know why I think you could do that?”
“No, why?”
“Because you finally learnt to use them again.”
“Use what, sir?”
“Your emotions, Kris! Your emotions! That girl you met, I think maybe you should be thanking her for saving your life.”
Kris smiled. “You’re right, sir.”
“Well done, Kris. Another successful mission. Now I want you to take a short holiday—”
“One more thing, sir.”
“Don’t argue with me, Kris.”
“No, sir, I won’t. Of course I’ll take the holiday. That’s just the thing.”
“Go on.”
“I would like to take a leave of absence, sir, if that’s at all possible.”
Hudson smiled inside. He had a feeling this would happen. “I’m surprised at you, Kris. If that’s what you want. How long is this absence needed?”
“Maybe a month or two. And after that, sir, I would like to semi-retire.” Kris gulped.
“Semi-retirement?” Hudson continued to turn the screw, secretly pleased that at least this hunter, one who had worried him greatly, had finally managed to find a scrap of peace in his life.
“Yes, sir. If that’s possible.”
From that moment, it was agreed, verbally and in writing, that Kris would reside permanently on Dania, in Edenvale, at the Old Grain Store homestead. For the majority of his time, he would be a simple farmer, and lover, lost in the waving arms of naturally produced organic corn. From time to time, jobs may come along requiring his particular skills and experience. If so, Hudson Brody knew exactly where to find him.
About the Author
Liberty Stafford resides in the beautiful countryside of rural England. She particularly enjoys the romantic side of life, both with her pen and in person. Liberty’s major hobby is people watching and many of her ideas are created from chance encounters, overheard whispers or divulged secrets, concealed of course in a shroud of mystery.
Liberty’s website is located at:
http://libertystafford.terapad.com