Juliana wanted to forget most of what had happened during the last week. She was looking forward to spending a few days alone in New York, followed by a short vacation with the family in Puerto Rico. The image of basking in hot sunlight and floating in warm water brought a soft smile to her face and tranquility to her body.
Meanwhile, Sean approached from the front of the plane. "I almost lost track of time. Mr. Martinez had me going over my story again," said Sean as he placed his coat in the overhead bin. "I think he doesn't believe me. If only he knew how I really felt about him."
Juliana was surprised to hear Sean's voice, and opened her eyes, "Well it's good to see you made it. Where's your seat?"
"It's a few rows in front of yours."
"It's going to be a long flight. I think I'll catch up on some rest and I suggest you do too. We still have some business when we get back to New York."
The next day, just after sunrise, the plane landed at JFK airport. Sean got off the plane first, and waited for Julie at the counter.
"Hope you had some rest; these red-eye flights can be very upsetting to your internal clock."
Julie studied Sean's face. His features were more rectangular than round, his mouth more pale than pink, but his eyes concerned her the most. They were sad. "Sean, would you have breakfast with me? We can eat here at the airport."
As Julie had hoped, this brought a smile to Sean, "Sure, lassie. Then I'll help you with the baggage."
The food court in the terminal had just opened, and they both filled their trays with eggs, toast, sausage, and coffee. Sean looked at Julie; "You've been through a lot in a week, lassie. You did well. I just wish that I'd been able to protect you from those bastards. I'm not the same as I was years ago. I think Martinez was trying to tell me the same thing. He thinks that I should retire or take a desk job, and I don't have any arguments right now to dispute him."
"Que Estúpido!" uttered Juliana. "You have great instincts, and what you lack in youth you make up in experience. I know you were the one who led the rescue mission. If it weren't for you, Peter and I could never have done the things we did."
Reaching for her hand, Sean stroked her fingers, "Your kind words are appreciated, lassie. We'll just have to see."
Julie realized that Sean risked a lot for her, more than was necessary. It was an awkward moment for both. Sean broke the long silence, "The agency may insist on my retirement after this case."
"Not if I can help it!"
