Before the General could say anything more, a man in a dark suit stood and addressed the mourners. Amy assumed this must be the Cowans' pastor.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here to say our final goodbyes to our dear friend, James Cowan. I've known James and Kathy for about twenty years and I've no doubt that James is with our Lord and Savior at this minute, thinking about all of us and the pain we're all suffering.”

The pastor spoke for several more minutes, but Amy wasn't focused on what was said, instead retreating into her own thoughts. Amy suddenly became aware that the service was ending, and people were getting to their feet, making their way outside. Fitch stayed behind as Kathy had asked him to serve as a pallbearer and Amy slipped up to the front, speaking briefly to Kathy, and exchanging hugs. “How are you holding up?” Amy asked.

“It's been rough. Fortunately, DJ has been here. We're going to make it through this.”

“Let me know what I can do, Kathy. If there's anything you need, I want to be there for both you and DJ.”

Kathy managed a faint smile. “I know Amy, you're a great friend. I'd wanted you to meet DJ today, but James' mom wasn't holding up well, and DJ took her home just a few minutes ago.”

After a few more minutes of quiet conversation, they hugged again, before Amy left the chapel so the pallbearers could carry the coffin out to the hearse.

As Amy watched the wooden box containing her friend's body being carried from the funeral home she couldn't help but think of James and his wonderful family.

She felt another bout of tears coming, and wasn't certain if the tears were for James, or for herself.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

DAY 90

The helicopter flew low; perhaps a hundred feet above the desert. Occasionally it would climb because of an immovable object on the ground, but just as quickly settled back down into the lower altitude.

RJ rode in the co-pilot's seat, impressed at the skill Amy Travers had developed in the three months she'd been flying again.

Amy had initially joined the Army to fly and had flown helicopters for several years. Unfortunately, the policy of keeping women out of combat had significantly limited her options, and eventually, she'd decided she'd had enough frustration and began to contemplate whether she would take on a new career path or leave the military altogether.

She had a degree in biology from her pre-military life and met then Lt. Colonel Matt Fitch at a social gathering. They'd gotten to know each other and Matt offered to have her transferred to his team. Amy loved the military life and was willing to give up flying in exchange for this new opportunity.