How Dark the Night by William C. Hammond Page B

sittin’ in this room,” Agreen said with a contented sigh.
    â€œWhile being waited on hand and foot by a beautiful woman.”
    Agreen grinned. “You’ve got that right, matey. And it’s a damn sight more than my hand and foot that’s bein’ waited on.”
    Richard grinned back at him. As if on cue, Lizzy Crabtree entered the room bearing a tray with two mugs of coffee and slices of sweet bread she had baked for the occasion. As she bent forward to place the tray on a table set between the two chairs, Agreen touched her hip and began gently massaging it. She carefully set the tray on the table and then turned her head to meet his gaze, holding it as silent messages flew between them, back and forth like a pendulum. Then she straightened, kissed him on the forehead, smiled at both men, and left the parlor.
    Agreen watched her go. “You’ve got that right,” he repeated softly. After Lizzy closed the door behind her, he shifted his eyes back to Richard.
    â€œTell me about Katherine,” he said. “Liz tells me she’s feelin’ like her old self again.”
    â€œVery nearly,” Richard acknowledged. “Dr. Prescott tells us her recovery is really quite remarkable.”
    Richard summarized the details of his wife’s ordeal, going back to before the surgery. Although he had related much of this informationin letters to Agreen, as had Lizzy, Agreen was hungry for details. When Richard finished talking, Agreen said ruefully, “Damn, Richard, I wish I could have been here to help. For her and you and your children. And for Lizzy. She was devastated, and I felt so helpless down there in Virginia.”
    Richard shrugged. “You’re here now. And Katherine and Lizzy understand that duty to country comes first.”
    â€œSo despite what the good doctor says, there’s no real prognosis?”
    â€œNo. He really can’t offer predictions. All we can do is make every day count. And we can pray.”
    â€œThis may come as a shock t’ you, but I’ve been doin’ quite a bit of that lately.” After a pause Agreen added, “and I’ve been givin’ some serious thought t’ another matter you and I need t’ discuss.”
    â€œOh? What’s that?”
    â€œI’ve made a decision, Richard, and it’s not been an easy one t’make. I haven’t even told Lizzy about it yet, so you’re the first t’ know. I owe you that courtesy as my commanding officer. Not t’ mention my closest friend.”
    Richard braced himself for what he sensed was coming. “Pray continue,” he said. “I’m all ears.”
    Agreen did not blink. “I’m resignin’ my commission in the Navy.”
    Richard allowed several moments to elapse. Then: “Why, Agee?”
    Agreen pointed across the room. “You just saw one reason walkin’ out that door. The other reason is upstairs in his room. I’m not gettin’ any younger, Richard, and bein’ away at sea for such long periods has finally gotten t’ me. Hell’s bells, you and I have fought side by side in three wars over three decades. An’ that don’t count our little escapade to Algiers and France. In this last war we were away for comin’ on three years. Three years is a mighty long time, my friend.
    â€œNow don’t get me wrong,” he was quick to add, “I’m not complainin’. Not by a long shot. I love the Navy and I love my country. But you an’ I have had enough gut-swigglin’ adventures t’ last us both two lifetimes. Servin’ as your first in Portsmouth will always be the greatest honor and thrill of my life. But it’s time for me t’ step down. I want t’ watch Zeke grow up. And I want t’ make love t’ my wife on a far more regular basis. I know you understand. We talked about it often enough of a night in your after