After a quick stop in the break room for more coffee, which Cate had to make AGAIN, Cate and Jon went to her office. They made small talk for a few minutes, then Jon looked at Cate’s “I Love Me” wall while she turned on her computer and called the range scheduler. Jon smiled to himself as he took a quick visual tour of Cate’s career.
He was not particularly surprised to see that she had been a military officer early in her career, or that she had earned several prestigious awards, such as Agent of the Year. He was impressed with the photo of Cate and three brawny men in full desert BDUs and gear, all holding M-16 rifles and smiling from behind dusty goggles somewhere in a Middle Eastern desert. Jon’s gaze trailed over photos of Cate with various dignitaries including President Bush, Colin Powell, and even Jon’s friend, former Vice President Al Gore.
There were assorted photos of Cate with friends, colleagues, an older couple Jon assumed to be her parents, her dog, a beautiful tri-color rough collie, and with a group of grinning women carrying guns on their hips and wearing caps from various federal agencies. He noted there were no photos of Cate and someone who appeared to be a husband or boyfriend.
Jon was surprised to see a framed photo of a much-younger Cate and Danny, arms around each others’ shoulders and both holding plastic cups of beer in what was obviously a 1980s-era college fraternity house. That explained the slightly sarcastic tone she had used when talking about him to Floyd, and the unspoken bond she seemed to have with Danny that didn’t exist between her and the other guys. He’d have to ask her about that later, as they got to know each other.
Jon heard Cate finish her call and turned back to face her. “You have a pretty impressive display here,” he smiled. “I obviously came to the right place to learn how to be a Fed.”
Cate colored slightly, but gave him a small smile back. “Thanks. It kinda keeps things in perspective that you can sum up your whole life on one wall of a crappy government office.” Her eyes roved to the wall. I can only imagine how big HIS “I Love Me” wall is….. “But, it’s been a good life so far. No regrets.”
Jon pointed to the photo of Cate and her dog. “Beautiful dog—what’s her name?” Cate paused for a moment, then answered with her own question. “Aren’t all collies named Lassie?” She chuckled. “You know, every little girl wanted to own a ‘Lassie’. Since my parents wouldn’t let me have one when I was little, I bought my own when I grew up.”
Jon noticed she didn’t really answer his question, but let it slide. He pointed to the photo of Cate and Al Gore. “So, you hang with Al too?” he teased.
"Just once, I worked with Secret Service on a security detail when he came to our base in Germany.” Cate answered. Seeing Cate was starting to relax a bit, Jon asked her a few more questions about some of the items on the wall.
After about five minutes of Q & A, Cate suggested they go to see one of the ranges where students were firing, so Jon could get an idea of what type of training he would be undergoing. Cate grabbed her range bag and keys, and they headed out of the office.
When they arrived at the indoor range, Cate unlocked the supply room and gave Jon his own range bag, eye and ear protection, a holster, magazines, and some other gear. That done, Cate and Jon watched through the window of the supply room door as the students finished their course of fire and holstered their weapons.
After the firing line was declared safe, Cate took Jon up into the elevated control booth, where her colleague, Troy, was serving as Range Master. She introduced Jon, and pointed out two more of her fellow instructors who were pacing up and down the concrete platform of the range below, evaluating the students. Then she and Jon watched as Troy directed the students through a basic qualification course of fire.
Cate explained to Jon everything that happened, from the Range Master’s instructions to firing line safety, to the details of the courses of fire the students learned and what type of remedial programs the Center ran for those having difficulty with the training. The more she talked, the more Cate relaxed, and after awhile she began to forget that she was talking to “Mr. Big Shot,” as Danny had called him.
Jon noticed the change in her body language and posture, but saw that her eyes were still guarded and gray, her real emotions closed off. This was Cate the capable agent and talented teacher. Jon wondered if he would get to know Cate the woman who drank beer at frat parties and had always wanted to own Lassie. He was intrigued by and not a little attracted to her. Hmmm… that may present a challenge… he thought.
After watching the students finish their training and head off to their next classes, Jon and Cate left for the short walk back to her office. Cate felt her stomach rumble and looked at her watch. “Holy Crap!” she exclaimed. “It’s almost 1300! Are you hungry?”
“Actually, yeah, I am.” Jon replied. “Any place good to eat around here?”
Cate thought for a moment. “Well, we usually eat at the Dining Hall with the students, but if I take you in there, so much for our 'covert op' of keeping your visit a secret. How about we grab a quick bite off the Yard?”
“Sounds good to me,” Jon smiled. “You drive.”
IMHO, you really captured Jon here. From what I've heard abotu him--he's really open if he's talking about 'you' and not him.
ReplyDeleteYou showed that really well here.
I also love that he's already intrigued, but just as reserved as she is.