The Retirement

Kingston glared at Jon. “You wouldn’t do that, Doc. You took an oath. Besides, you’re a child of the sixties. An activist for peace and love. You protested and fought your father all through the Vietnam War. You don’t have it in you to hurt me.”

Becky didn’t even look at Kingston as she twisted the splinter she was working on. Kingston screamed in pain, raising his other hand to strike her, forgetting all about Ellison and the rifle. In a flash, Becky had a combat knife to Kingston’s throat.

“I may be a child of the sixties and believe in peace and love, but you threatened my daughter and grandchildren, you son of a bitch. I’d just as soon cut your throat as treat your arm. Don’t mistake my disagreement with my father’s profession as a sign of weakness on my part. He taught me how to protect myself, and if I have to kill you to protect my family, I won’t think twice about it.”

The color disappeared from Kingston’s face. He focused back on Ellison. The marine’s finger was on the trigger, and his smile was gone. He looked all business. “Doc,” he said quietly, “I was worried I was going to have to protect you from this guy, but I see the general has trained you well.”

Becky smiled. The knife left Kingston’s throat and returned to the sheath on her belt. Ellison relaxed, and his finger moved outside the trigger guard of the rifle.