Free Out of the Storm by Kevin V. Symmons Page A

least his footprint. Name, rank, and serial number. But his records—what you Army guys call a 201 file—are missing.”
    “Okay. Thanks.” Eric didn’t know what else to say. Maybe he could find out more from Ashley. Assuming she really did know anything more.
    “Look, don’t worry. I’m not giving up on this. I’ve got the bit in my teeth. I’m gonna find out what’s going on.”
    “I appreciate it. I know I’m putting you on thin ice, especially if this really is bad business. But can you find out where he is—his current duty assignment? I may want to come down there and… and talk to him.”
    “You got it. I’ll solve this if it kills me.”
    “Ron. You’re an old friend, so do us both a favor.”
    “Okay. Shoot.”
    “Make sure that doesn’t happen.”
    ****
    Eric showered, got dressed, and went down to eat breakfast with Lu and Kylie. As he was about to take a mouthful of eggs, Louise kicked him gently. When he looked up he saw Kylie with her hands together and eyes closed. She mouthed a silent prayer.
    “I’ll pick your mommy up and be back here before dinner, honey,” he promised with a reassuring smile when she finished.
    “Thanks, Uncle Eric.” Kylie came around the table slowly and gave him a quick hug. Then she backed away and returned to her chair, attacking a big helping of scrambled eggs and English muffins heaped with a mammoth topping of orange marmalade.
    Lu found Eric’s hand and squeezed it. When he found her eyes, they glistened. “See you this afternoon.”
    He nodded and stood to leave.
    Eric went to the marina and spent the next few hours, staring absently at the desktop. The QuickBooks software he’d called up stared back at him. His mind was on overload. He kept picturing Ashley on Friday night—wet, cold, and exhausted. Eric remembered their sparring at the hospital and her surprising phone call last night. They made him feel—what? He wanted her and Kylie to be safe, but what else? Hell, he’d only seen Ashley twice. What was he thinking…
    “You okay, boss?”
    Bobby stood in the doorway with a clipboard.
    “Sure. I’m fine,” Eric snapped. “Why?”
    “’Cause you’ve been staring into space for five minutes.” Bobby shrugged and showed a grin. “Is it…her?”
    “Her? Who the hell are you talking about?”
    Bobby knitted his brows and grinned. “You know who, Eric.” He paused. “Her. Ashley the mystery woman!” His attempt at a European accent left something to be desired.
    He waved Bobby out and scowled, trying to focus on the laptop again. Eric thought about Bobby’s question. He’d resigned his commission and come home for two things: Elaine and peace. He’d seen so much death and misery—enough for two lifetimes. Young guys on his team, street kids in rags, the staff sergeant who’d been his mentor and best friend...All dead. Torn in half by AK-47s, RPG rounds, or blown to bits by IEDs. No, he’d come home to find a better life. Or thought he had. First Elaine’s death, now this—part jigsaw puzzle, part nightmare. Eric needed to find the truth.
    “A penny for your thoughts,” Josephine Murray said as she stood in the doorway.
    “Hi, Joey.”
    “Had last night off. Thought you’d remember? I was hoping you’d call.”
    “Yeah, I remember. I’m real sorry. It’s been a crazy weekend.”
    She shrugged and came inside. “So I heard.” She raised her eyebrows. “I’m all ears if you want to share.”
    Eric exhaled slowly, trying to gather a smile. “Don’t want to bore you.” Joey was sweet, pretty, available, and interested in him. Eric enjoyed her company. They’d gone out for dinner and a movie once or twice. But Elaine’s memory hung over him like a specter. Now this thing with Ralph and Ashley and Kylie.
    “No, really, Joey. It’s complicated and kinda personal.”
    Joey looked hurt but managed a smile. “I thought we were friends, Eric. Personal’s okay.” She stopped and watched him. “Talk to me.” She