Out of the Shadows (Akira and Deane Thriller Series Book 1)

by Tim Jopling

Silence was all there was between Thomas Deane and Sam Olsen. Minutes passed by and nothing was said.

  Deane spoke first. ‘Let me give you a ride to the airport.’ His voice was slow and full of emotion.

  Olsen didn’t respond immediately. To hear the true events, in such detail, after all these years had been a traumatic experience. But at the same time, there was a calmness inside his heart. As if the nightmare and desperate feeling of wanting the truth was finally starting to subside. He spoke so quietly, it could almost be classed as a whisper. ‘No, I’ll get a taxi.’ He rose to his feet and picked up his luggage.

  Deane stood at the door and raised his right hand. ‘Don’t think for a moment we’re finished here. I’ve spent the last hour or so smoothing things over with the authorities. You stole a police car and almost wrecked the town for god’s sake.’

  Olsen said nothing. He didn’t regret his actions.

  Deane watched his headstrong partner and was at a loss as to where the reckless streak in him came from. Certainly not from Geoff Olsen. ‘I’ve contacted our agent in the UAE, no doubt she’ll be on the lookout for those men.’ He sighed and shook his head. The one thing he didn’t want on their last operation together was to end on a disagreement. He had so much to say and struggled to start. ‘Look…uh…outside the embassy, you did well today, you hear me? I still don’t agree with your methods but you were right to go for that truck, your instincts are…well-tuned.’ Deane wanted to touch on the subject of his young partner’s violent temper but forced himself not to. Somehow, with words he couldn’t muster, he wanted to say how much he loved him but just didn’t know where to start.

  Olsen looked at his mentor. This was their last operation together.

  Deane knew the partnership was in its final moments and was willing to do anything to prevent it. He swallowed and ran a hand over his face. The time he had spent with Olsen in Oman had been traumatic but at the same time worthwhile. The Prince was still alive, an attack had been thwarted, and despite the end drawing near, at least the air had been cleared between them. ‘If you’re sure this is what you want.’

  Olsen was still trying to come to terms with what he had been told about his father. But that was all in the past now. There was no denying that he regarded Deane as his father figure and mentor in the present and that he loved him with all his heart, but he needed to prove himself and stand-alone. That burning desire never faded.

  The silence gave Deane his answer. His eyes failed to focus on his young partner, who he would always refer to as his son. ‘Promise me…promise me you won’t leave the service?’ His voice was soft and touched with sadness.

  Olsen could feel the emotion welling up in his throat and wondered whether he had picked up a hint of failure in his friend’s voice. Deane had saved his life on numerous occasions, had trained him to be an effective Government agent and, more than anything, instilled in him the cause to fight on behalf of his country. ‘I’ll contact you, Tom.’

  Deane remained in the doorway, but continued to look away. ‘Just be careful…….Sam…’

  Olsen gave his long-time partner an emotion filled hug and quickly walked down the stairs to the street below. If he stayed a moment more, he knew he would change his mind.