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“I understand,” Alex said softly. “Don’t think for a minute that I agree with you. We’ll find a way to make this work. I’m not giving up on us.”
Her eyes began to tear up. “I don’t want you to let me go either, Alex. But it’s what is best for both of us. Stop it now before it hurts too much.” She knew it was already too late on her part, but she hoped he’d be able to go back to Boston and continue with his happy life. That’s all that mattered. Please be happy, Alex.
“I wish we could stay here until we worked this out, but the chopper’s approaching. This conversation isn’t over.”
They quickly dressed, and she wanted to respond but didn’t. He wasn’t joking. He’d drop it for now, but she knew he wasn’t going to leave Tabiq without finishing it. Once they were dressed, he took her by the hand, and they made their way back to the helicopter.
He might think this was easy for her, but that was far from the truth. She had never imagined feeling as she did in such a short amount of time. He made her feel things she’d read in books, yet here she was telling him it wasn’t real. She knew differently. Ziva’s heart was breaking, and she was doing it to herself. Not because she wanted to, but because she had to. She wouldn’t allow herself to say the words. Nor think them. It was already painful enough.
It might not seem over, but it has to be. For your sake, as well as mine.
“Alex, are youeven listening?” Brice asked.
Alex couldn’t afford the distraction of Ziva right now. “Yeah. What were you saying?”
“You seem completely distracted. I’m surprised Ziva isn’t with you,” Dean chimed in.
He didn’t want to talk about her right now. It wasn’t time for him to deal with what he felt or didn’t feel for her. There were more important things on the agenda right now. “Let’s stay focused. Where’s the manager now?”
Brice replied, “As I had just said, Bennett and Doug picked him up from the hotel. He and several of his men are being detained until the proper authorities arrive. This is a very complicated situation; the government isn’t supportive of our assistance. We understand why, as it jeopardizes their significant source of revenue.”
“We can’t let these bastards continue,” Alex barked back.
“Alex, there is only so much we can do legally,” Brice stated.
“Hell, we’ve crossed that line already. I want this entire operation shut down. I’m shocked you don’t feel the same way.”
Brice’s jaw clenched. “I’m going to let that comment slip for the moment and chalk it up to stress on your part. But don’t think for one minute that any of us condone what has taken place here. Whether we like it or not, this fucked-up country is part of who we are.”
“What are you talking about?” Alex demanded.
“We’re American and Tabiqian,” Brice said plainly.
He hadn’t thought about it like that. Alex had linked this place with his mother only. Never had he considered this part of his heritage. Most people were thrilled to learn of their roots. For the Hendersons, not only had they learned their father played a major role in making this country what it was today—corrupt—but he did it to a place where his own children, his flesh and blood had come from. Our people.
“I hate that asshole!” Alex growled, wishing he’d said it just to himself.
“Who, the manager?” Dean asked.
“James Henderson,” Alex replied. “All these years, I wanted to know more about him, thinking if I did, I’d understand why he was so fucking cruel to us. Instead, I find more skeletons in the Henderson closet than I could wri... imagine. I am a fool for thinking there was anything good in that man.”
Alex couldn’t believe he almost said the word write. No one but Ziva knew, and he wanted to keep it that way. It just hit him why. All this time he’d been trying to distance himself from being a Henderson. He’d published his books under a pen name and lived most of his life through that alias. So why had he felt comfortable telling Ziva, but not his own family? Maybe because I don’t want to be a Henderson. I want to be anyone but a Henderson.
“You’re no fool, Alex. We all face the same issue. James Henderson did only one thing in his life that was worth anything.”
“What’s that, Brice? Die?” Alex asked.
Brice shook his head. He walked over and placed a hand on Alex’s shoulder. Giving it a squeeze, he said, “He gave us each other. Together we’re going to find our mothers and help Tabiq become a place our children and grandchildren can one day be proud of. It’s not easy, but we need to remember we’re not our father, and we never will be.”
Alex met Brice’s eyes. He saw his own fears and insecurities in them. Then he looked at Dean and saw them there as well. Alex was far from alone in how he felt. Brice was right. They were powerful men who could change the world for good or bad if they stuck together.
“I’ve spent a long time trying not to be a Henderson. Maybe it’s time to change how people view the name, because it will no longer define me. Hell, how I view the name.”
“Sounds good. I’m in. What’s the first step?” Dean asked.
Alex almost laughed. Dean was fearless and ready for any challenge. One day you’ll learn to ask first, then agree. “For me to start being a Henderson.”
“Didn’t know you weren’t,” Dean said.
