Making the preparations

You nod once at Mark, then turn to Doe. “I have to meet with Tony and Bob for a bit. Will you meet me back at the den in one hour?”

“Den? Where’s that?” Mark asked aloud.

Ignoring him, you keep your eyes focused on Doe. She nods her assent, afraid to say anything else. You smile bravely at her, touching her cheek. Instinctively she nuzzles your hand. The two of you linger there for several minutes, afraid to move, until Mark subtly clears his throat. The moment broken, you sheepishly grin and move your hand, walking away.

You walk into the station’s stores just as Tracy and Leah are walking out. The pair greet you but you barely see them. The moment Bob sees the expression on your face, he shoos the last couple of people out. Tony quietly takes out three glasses and sets them on the counter, filling them with the Scotch as Bob locks the doors.

Leaning against the counter, you try to grin. “What’s my tab, barkeep?”

Tony hands a glass to you, then offers one to Bob as he joins you. “On the house.” The three of you acknowledge each other and toast silently. Tony and Bob take a sip while you drain the glass in one gulp. They watch you in amazement. “One more for the road?” Tony asks.

“No, thank you, my friend. But could I trouble you for a pen and paper?” The pair nod and lead you to their back office. Bob clears off a spot on his desk for you, then they leave you to your work.

Forty-five minutes later, you step out of the office. Tony and Bob turn to look at you, worried anticipation on their faces. You hand several sheets of paper to Bob. “Since GenTek cannot officially claim our work, this will lists my recommendation that each staff member be given the choice whether or not to continue. In the event they wish to stay, I recommend Mark and Tracy be left in charge of the project, since they are the most experienced and knowledgeable about the project. I am leaving the two of you as executors of my financial assets and stock holdings, with the understanding that the money is used to provide for Doe in case something…in case.” You pause as the pair watch you with fearful understanding. Then you hold out a sealed manila envelope. “In here is the information for my Swiss account, the names and numbers of my accountant and lawyer, along with a copy of the will for both of them. You will also find the location of my personal notes on the project, my personal journals, and some of the project specifics that never quite made it into the project databases. It is to be Doe’s decision alone what happens to it, and the location and contents of these files are to never go beyond the four of us. I want your word.”

Without hesitation, Bob and Tony take turns shaking your hand firmly, sealing the deal. Tony has a few tears in his eyes, and even Bob is visibly moved. As Bob shakes your hand, he pulls you into a strong hug as he whispers, “Nothing will happen to her as long as I live. I swear.” Moved by Bob’s words and the solemn occasion, Tony can only nod his assent.

You smile at the pair. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, it seems I promised the evening to a charming young lady.” They nod, understanding. Tony holds up his hand for you to wait. He runs to the backroom, then comes out with two ornate crystal goblets and a bottle of strawberry champagne. “I was saving this for Leah and Tracy’s anniversary, but I can get more in time. Take it, with our compliments.”

Nodding, you whisper, “Thank you.” With that, Bob unlocks the door for you and you walk in silence to your room.

The moment you open the door, you stop in surprise. The room is illuminated by small candles placed strategically to cover the room in a soothing, romantic aura. Soft jazz filters in from your stereo. You set the goblets and champagne down on the small dining room table just before a voice behind you speaks. “John?”

Turning, you see Doe wearing the simple and beautiful black dress Bob made for her. She smiles at you, a touch of anticipation and embarrassment on her face. “Tracy and Leah helped me set it up. Do you like it?” She asks, searching your face for a sign of your pleasure.

A wide grin spreads across your face. “I love it, Doe.” With that you hold out your hand to her. “Would you care to dance?”

Doe looks at you nervously. “I’ve never danced.”

“Don’t worry,” you assure her. “Neither have I.”

Doe buries herself in your embrace. The two of you move slowly in a small circle to the music as she rests her head on your chest and you softly rest your chin between her ears.