Bill told her what was on his mind. He told her about his wife’s cancer and her history of it. They had a few neighbors that could look after her, but it wasn’t the physical stuff that he was worried about. Bill poured his heart out before he even knew that he had. All of this talk of war and strategy and China had distracted him plenty good, but the thoughts of his wife came tumbling back and they were wrapped in emotion. He hoped the display would be enough.

Lena listened. She was an intense woman, Bill noticed. The kind that leaned forward in her chair at all times. Like she had to be ready to pounce. It was awful funny seeing a woman sit like that. Reminded him of a fighter pilot or something.

When he was done talking he felt embarrassed but was glad to get it off his chest. Bill let Lena know that he felt an obligation to help out, but had a bigger responsibility back home. Lena seemed like she got it. Family had to come first. She said all the right things when he was done, smiling. She understood. He saw that in her eyes. Now she would tell him what he needed to hear.

Bill said, “I mean...Lena, I understand how important this all is. But there must be some other person that can take my place. Maybe someone else at my office. My director will be able to help with that just like he helped get me here. I presume you already know him, since he sent me here.”

She was sitting close to him, leaning in and following every word like she really cared.

Lena said, “Bill, of course. Whatever you need. When would you like to leave?”

He let out a sigh of relief. “Oh thank you. Thank you so much. I hate to be a burden. I’d be happy to participate. Maybe I could help out remotely? Through the Internet? I just…I need to get back to her.”

Lena nodded and gave the warmest of smiles. She reached over and squeezed his shoulder. “Anything at all. We can arrange for a plane first thing in the morning if you like?”

“Oh thank you so much. I…it’s just. I feel bad even asking. But I don’t want to waste any time. And I don’t know how much we’ve got…me and my wife.”

“Actually, Bill, it’s funny you phrase it like that.”

Bill frowned. “Come again? I’m afraid I don’t follow.”

Lena’s demeanor changed. Her smile was a little less warm. Her eyes a bit less glowing. “How much time have we got, Bill?”

Bill shook his head. “What do you mean?”

“Bill, do you have something else you would like to share with me?”

Bill paused. He looked at her and frowned.

“Bill. Come now. Remember, I worked with your boss to get you here. I already have a good idea of what everyone knows. But we brought you here to confirm. I expected to hear you speak up today when they brought up the countdown.”