He Without Sin Read Online Free Page A

me in congratulating them and wishing them the best of luck in the future.”
    Dean Carson finishes by scanning slowly over the crowd during a hearty general applause. Afterward, he proceeds with his program by announcing some special service awards and recognition to a few outstanding attendees.
    “Told ya. What a load of crap,” Mark says in his best dismissive tone when all was done.
    “I don’t know. I liked it,” I replied. “Short and sweet.” Was it really that corny? I like that sort of speech. It wraps everything up and pumps you up for the future. All the impact and whatnot. Yee-hah. I guess not everyone feels the same way, in fact I know they don’t.
    “Did you see your smiling face up there on the screen at the end?”
    “What, me?” feigns Mark. “Oh, the ridiculous service award? If you live long enough, they give you an award. I don’t trouble myself with that nonsense.”
    “I saw a couple other faces I recognized. I didn’t realize the select company I’m in.”
    “Yeah, yeah, everybody’s a winner. How about that cocktail now? You in?”

    “Sure, lead the way.”
    ______
    We migrate to a nearby and familiar bar and find a dark, quiet spot to sit. Mark gives specific instructions for his drink. For myself, anything will do, I’m not picky. I have often repeated that the taste doesn’t matter, only the effect matters to me. Besides, I’ve had one of Mark’s drinks. It tastes horrible and I’ve told him so. His enigmatic classic response: ‘One is too many, two is just right, three is not enough. Have another.’
    “Your drinking preference is unfortunate,” he says. “You are missing out. Say, did you notice big Wes B stood up when the dean asked the leaders to stand?”
    “What? No. Again, you’ve got to be kidding! I’ve barely heard of him and now all of a sudden he is everywhere you look? Team leader too?”
    “Not kidding. But I know for sure David is still our head honcho. Maybe Brachus has secured himself another team. That must be it.”
    I have a hunch that Mark knows damn well that last guess is not true; that’s his style.
    ______
    Of all people, I spot Jeff Sanders as we are leaving. “You were in the closing session?”
    “No,” he says, “just hanging around. I’m heading back to work tomorrow.”

    “Did you have any luck cornering Brachus?”
    “Yes, I sure did. He was encouraging and said he would certainly try to hook me up before he shoves off. I hope he turns up something for me. Seems unlikely ‘cause he’s outta here soon, but I’m geeked anyway that he’s going to try. Talk to Tom?”
    I shake my head. That positive report, however minor, removed a little of the dark cloud hovering over my mood after Mark’s comments. I stop myself commenting to Jeff about my annoyance with Tom when I see a pleasant sight.
    “Jason?” she asks.
    “Yes. Hi. How are you?”
    “I’m Carol. Looks like we’ll be travelling together,” she offers as she extends her hand. I take her hand but she doesn’t shake, she just squeezes a little. “Are you leaving?”
    Traveling together? Can that be right? I answer her question, “We were, just. I’m here with Mark although it looks like he’s disappeared already. Are you here for dinner? Drinks?”
    “Sort of. I’ve ordered food to go and just got the text that it’s ready.”
    We hold each other’s gaze for an almost awkward length of time; I try to think of something to say. We move a little to the side to let others pass.

    Finally I say, “You were in the medical training,” knowing full well that it’s not quite the right thing to say.
    She just smiles at first and then says, “It’s nice to meet you officially. I can’t stay. They just released the final crew rosters. I’m on the same team as you and Mark.”
    “Really? Glad to hear it. I know they’re out, but I haven’t looked for mine yet. We’ve known unofficially whose command we’ll be under for some time but…” I let a couple