Shadow Men – 75 – Anders and Grant

Two months passed and life did get back to normal. Grant had had a bit of a problem coming up with a story to explain to his boss his sudden disappearance but he had; one involving a sudden family emergency and the need to be with them immediately. His boss had suggested rather sharply that the next time it happened it would behoove Grant to call and let him know. Grant promised he would.

Nicky started kindergarten, which was followed by school-provided daycare, a blessing as far as Grant was concerned. Weekends, weather permitting, the two of them spent as much time as possible at the lake. Grant was even considering buying a small cabin there although so far he hadn't seen any that suited his fancy.

That's where they were at the moment, since it was a nice sunny, if cool, Saturday. Nicky was exploring while Grant sat with his back against a tree, alternating his time between reading, keeping an eye on his son, and going to join him when he found something he thought Grant just had to see. It was a typical weekend afternoon.

"So this is where you hang out," a well remembered voice said from behind Grant.

He turned swiftly to see Anders leaning casually against another tree watching him.

"What are you doing here?" Grant was torn between scowling and smiling so he opted for neither, just looking seriously back at Anders.

"I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd look you up."

"This is hardly 'the neighborhood'." Grant swept his hand around to encompass the lake shore.

"A technicality." Anders turned his head to scan the shore. "Nicky's growing up," he commented.

"Like you could tell. It's only been two months."

"And ten days. Yeah, I kept track."

"Twelve," Grant shot back then wished he hadn't when Anders grinned knowingly.

"May I?" Anders pointed to the ground beside Grant.

"I… Yeah."

* * * *

"So you've settled back into your old life?" Anders said as he sat, wrapping his arms around his knees.

"We have, and you?"

"Yeah. I'm fully healed and back in the harness. And before you ask, Rafe and Steele are too, although they did take a few days off to go to Canada. It seems Steele promised Rafe they'd do that so they could get married."

"Fantastic! They…well, deserve it doesn't sound right but you get what I mean."

"Yeah I do." Anders studied Grant. "Do you miss the excitement?"

"I don't miss being scared stiff most of the time, but yes, in a way I suppose I do."

"Why did you leave without saying goodbye?"