Chapter 8 - The Return
Returning to American soil felt different this time. Five years ago, I came back on a gurney, sedated, hidden away in the cargo hold of a C-17 to keep the operation a secret.
This time, I walked down the ramp at Andrews Air Force Base under the bright afternoon sun. General Holden was waiting on the tarmac, a proud smile on his face.
"Hell of a job, Major," he said, shaking my hand firmly.
"Just doing the job you trained me for, sir."
News of the successful raid had hit the Pentagon, and while the specifics remained classified, the military community knew that Major Riley Vance had just pulled off a masterclass in counter-terrorism.
As I walked through the terminal, dressed in my tactical gear, officers from every branch stopped and offered brief, respectful nods. I wasn't a pariah. I was a legend.
Later that evening, I checked my phone. There was a single text from an unknown number.
May you like
I saw the news. I’m proud of you, kid. - Dad.
I read it once, deleted it, and blocked the number. Forgiveness is a beautiful concept, but respect is earned. He had lost the right to call me his kid the moment he let Vanessa tear my shirt.
