Chapter 251 - What do you think? (1)

11 April, Police headquarters, City K

Matthew was show to John's office by a junior officer, and as the door was closed, he turned and said "What is it John? Ben, Joseph and David let me know yesterday of your initial analysis with the data on Sunday, which I suspect was the reason for the call those idiots made to me?"

"We will get to that in a minute. How did Lexi take to drunken Australians?"

"Initially she though it was funny, but after a while the look of horror at how badly they sung. At least I had some idea what to expect but, someone could have recorded it and used it for audio torture it was that bad by the end…"

"Hence her message to me yesterday to make sure that she avoided drunken Australian's again."

"I know, she told me that on the flight home as well. But, despite how things seem to be going, she still is having the occasional nightmare about what happened. I tried to convince her to get help from military psychologists she told me where to go. Maybe, she might listen to you or at least open up to you a little."

"Give me a few days and I will talk to her. Presently, I am attempting to deal with a much bigger issue with…"

"Your parents. Andrew and Sally told them what they did in Las Vegas? When did they do that?"

"Those two decided not to say a thing until Friday last week. I could have killed those three idiots that called me to your office in Sunday because calling the situation tense was an understatement."

"And I guess your father took it worse than your mother."

"Absolutely. After the shock of the announcement passed, Dad abused Andrew. Commenting among other things that Andrew had stolen his princess, robbed him of walking her down the aisle and even threatening to get his gun…"

"And you had to step in?"

"No, Sally told me about an hour before they were heading to our parent's place so I rushed over and secured all Dad's firearms. There was no way that I wanted to try and explain to any junior officers the situation if things got out of control too badly and they were called as Dad was using a firearm."

In a mocking dramatic tone after putting his hand to his forehead, Matthew responded "The shock, the horror. Those employed by the police would find out that you and your family are just like anyone else."

"You can talk," fired back John.

"John I never hid my background when I joined or since. I just never publicised it. My family and friends were told what I did, and you all reacted…"

"The way we did. You know most of us regret that," interrupted John, remorseful over past actions.

"I know that. We were seventeen- and eighteen -year-olds when I join the military because that is where I saw my future. I never expected to get to where I have in nine years, but sometimes there are quirks of fate."

"True. My understanding is that you are one of those very exceptional soldiers who are promoted quickly."

"I had some luck with things I did. But I have heard the story as to how people came know about your career path."

"And you know, I was not the one embarrassed about it."

"I would have loved to see the faces on those idiots when you were the police officer who intercepted them."

"I just wished, like general duties officers now we had worn body cameras. That footage would have been priceless."

John paused before continuing "But no one batted an eyelid. There was a realisation about out treatment of you was wrong and everyone accepted my choices. Mum and Dad were disappointed for a few days when it came to light because I would not be joining the family company, but after I explained it to them this was my passion. Dad was annoyed, but not as bad as he was on the weekend with Sally and Andrew, because he could see that if I was needed at the company or wanted to leave the police force I could simply retire and then enter the company. My degree post graduate studies, and on the job experience would allow me to fit into multiple areas within the company. That allowed them to accept my choice."

"I sense a real but there?"

"Absolutely, you know my parents, despite seeming the calmest of parents, they can overreact. Then after Dad's rant, Mum went on her rant about being robbed of being mother of the bride. It was such a drama, but as time went while Sally and Andrew were there, I realised the anger was not just on the surface for Mum and Dad, so I had Andrew get Sally out of there before it got worse."

"And if I am right, that was the start of your troubles?"

"Sometimes I think you are wasted in what you do Matthew and should be a clairvoyant. "

"Ha! Not a chance. The costume I would need to wear would look ridiculous on me" spat out Matthew, trying not to laugh.

Seeing the look on Matthew's face, John could not help but to burst out in laughter.

Matthew, gathering himself back together "So, what happened with your parents. You need to vent, and I suspect that you believe that I am the only one that you can trust not to spill to everyone."

"True, because I know your real job and guess that only Lexi knows the truth. That you do not want Phillip to know."

"You forget, I know your true job within the police, and I guess that your parent's reaction to Andrew and Sally's marriage will be mild to what will happen if they know about that."

"That I do not want. It was only last night that they finally settled as they realise that the ceremony that they were dreaming of for Sally is not gone. That now is going to be huge."

"But I suspect your mother is turning herself to you now."

"And that is scary my friend. As she now has a plan for Sally's wedding in her mind, she has weddings on the brain and wants me to find someone and get married to. Does she not get that I have not found the woman I want to marry. Let me escape a married minded mother."

"You know I might have a way to take the heat off you for a little while…"

Excitedly John Interrupted Matthew saying, "Tell me now."

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