What Part of Marine Don't You Understand - By Heather Long Page 0,4
the guide’s story. He’s got a great voice.”
“Who, Damon? He can tell stories all day, but it can’t compare with his cooking. If you’ll come with me?” She motioned to a side hallway. “Luke sends his apologies, but we’ve had some issues with the new construction across the highway and he had to discuss it with the foreman.”
“Not a problem. I actually think the tour was a great idea. I’m sure Brent will be sorry he missed it.” Naomi followed her into a well-appointed office.
Decorated in dark woods, the room screamed masculinity. A floor-to-ceiling window overlooking an atrium offered a tremendous amount of light. Rebecca bypassed the desk and led her back to a comfortable sitting area.
“Would you like something to drink?”
“No, I’m fine, thank you. We had coffee down in the mess and a chance to talk to some of the veterans. You have an amazing facility here.” Naomi crossed one leg over the other.
“Thank you, I don’t do much more than handle our publicity and fundraise, the credit goes to Luke and his men. They work tirelessly to make this place better every day. They know what to do and how to help—and when they don’t, they know who to bring in.”
“I’ve never been one to beat around the bush, Ms. Ranier—”
“Rebecca, please.”
“Only if you call me Naomi.”
They shared another fast smile. “Done.”
“What can Congressman Sparks do for you?”
“You come from a family of Marines, don’t you?”
“Yes, ma’am. We’re all born and bred. I grew up on Marine bases around the world. My brothers are all in service, or just out like Brent—Congressman Sparks. So I have nothing but the utmost respect for those who serve and want to, you know, push my sleeves up and get involved. Tell me what he can do, and I’ll do my best to push it through.” Brent could have sent an aide to do the tour, but he’d asked her.
This is personal.
He wanted her take on it.
“House Resolution 2663 will be introduced during the next session. It calls for a reduction in funds for discretionary spending. One of the areas earmarked is veteran’s services.”
“I’m sorry, what?”
“A new study was released that found the efficacy of veteran’s services at federally funded hospitals to be significantly less when compared to private hospitals. Because of attrition to our armed forces, they want to reallocate money to keep more people in the service, but they have to find the money somewhere.”
“So they’re targeting veteran’s services.” The thought made her feel vaguely ill. “It won’t pass.”
“We hope it won’t. I know Congressman Sparks is not on the Armed Forces subcommittee—but he could….”
“Talk to people who are. Okay, I will mention it to him. What else can we do?”
Her easy acceptance of the task seemed to surprise Rebecca and the woman laughed. “We’re going to increase our own fundraising activities, we need to get the word out and bring in prominent veterans to endorse Mike’s Place….”
“Done.” Brent wouldn’t hesitate. She could talk to her father, as well.
“I’d also like a pony.” Rebecca grinned.
“I can’t do anything about the pony, but maybe there’s something you could do for me.” The idea began as a bit of an itch in the back of her mind, but the longer she spent on the property the clearer it became.
“Name it.”
“Would you mind if I spent a few days here at Mike’s Place? Really have a chance to get to know the people….”
“To roll up your sleeves and get involved?”
“Yes.”
Rebecca didn’t answer immediately, but finally nodded. “I think that will be fine. Do you mind if I run this by Luke first?”
“Not at all. Out of idle curiosity, how did you two meet?” Her brothers described her as pathological in her ability to ask pointed questions, but Naomi was genuinely curious.
“That’s a long story.”
“Well how about I buy you lunch and you can tell me as much as you’re comfortable with?”
“I’d like that.” Rebecca rose. “But only if you let me treat.”
“I never say no to a free lunch.”
***
“That’s pretty much it,” Naomi said into the phone while hefting the guitar case onto the table. She flipped the locks open. Checking the Gibson after every trip was mandatory. She’d saved up every dime she earned over three summers to afford her beauty.
“You really like the place, don’t you?” Brent must have shut himself away in a quiet office, because the background noise faded.
“Yeah, I really do. It’s—they’re doing some amazing work here. I asked if they would let me hang out for