Games of State - Tom Clancy [169]
"Mild neurogenic shock," she said to her assistant. "Let's get him out of here."
A stretcher was brought over and Hausen was carried from the LongRanger. Hood walked out behind them.
"Paul!" Hausen shouted as he was lifted down the steps.
Hood said, "I'm here."
"Paul," Hausen said, "this is not finished. Do you understand?"
"I know. We'll get that regional center going. Take the initiative. Now don't talk."
"In Washington," Hausen said as he was placed in the ambulance. He smiled weakly. "Next time we meet in Washington. Quieter."
Hood smiled back at him and squeezed his hand before they shut the door.
"Maybe we ought to invite him to a budget hearing," Matt Stoll said from behind him. "This'll seem like a day at the beach."
Hood turned. He squeezed his associate's shoulder. "You were a real hero tonight, Matt. Thanks."
"Aw, it was nothing, Chief. It's amazing what you can do when your ass is in danger and you've got no choice."
"Not true," Hood said. "A lot of people panic under fire. You didn't."
"Bull," Stoll said. "I just didn't show it. But I think you've got other unfinished business. So I'm just going to tiptoe away and have a nervous breakdown."
Stoll left. Nancy was standing directly behind him, in the shadows.
Hood stared at her for a moment before he walked over. He wanted to say that she'd performed like a hero too, but he didn't. She'd never warmed to slap-on-the-back compliments, and he knew that that was not what she wanted to hear from him.
He took her hands in his. "I think this is the latest we've ever been out."
She laughed once. Tears rolled from her eyes. "We were old fogies back then. Dinner, reading in bed, ten o'clock news, early movies on weekends."
Hood was suddenly aware of the weight of his wallet inside his jacket and of the two ticket stubs inside it. She wasn't. She was staring into his eyes with love and longing. She did not intend to make this easy.
He rubbed the backs of her hands with his thumbs, then moved his hands to her shoulders. He kissed her on the cheek. The warm salt of her tears made him want to move closer, hold her, kiss her ear.
He stepped back.
"There are going to be inquiries, a lot of commissions and court dates. I would like to get you an attorney."
"Okay. Thanks."
"I'm sure someone will pick up Demain's assets when this is all cleared up. My staff has muscle in all kinds of places. I'll make sure you're involved. Until then, Matt will find things for you to do."
"My savior," she said dryly.
Hood grew annoyed. "This isn't fun for me either, Nancy. But I can't give you what you want."
"Can't you?"
"Not without taking from someone else, someone I love. I've spent most of my adult life growing up with Sharon. We're intertwined in ways that are very special to me."
"Is that all you want?" she asked. "A relationship that's special? You should be delirious. We were. Even when we fought we had passion."
"Yes," Hood said, "but that's over. Sharon and I are happy together. There's a lot to be said for stability, knowing that someone will be there--"
"For better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health," Nancy said bitterly.
"That," Hood said, "or even just showing up at the movies."
Nancy's mouth turned down. She blinked several times without looking away. "Ouch," she said. "Direct hit."
Hood was sorry to have hurt her, but at least he'd found the strength to say what needed to be said. It felt bad but it felt right.
Nancy finally funned away. "So," she said. "I guess I should have gone back to town with Colonel Ballon."
"The local police are on the way," Hood told her. "They'll see that we get a ride."
"You're still a blockhead," she said with a brave smile. "I meant he's single. It was a joke."
"Gotcha," Hood said. "Sorry."
Nancy took a deep breath. "Not as sorry as I am. About everything." She looked at him again. "Even though this didn't work out the way I wanted, it was good to see you, again. And I'm glad you're