Chapter Seven - September 22nd

As Patrick watched his young charge on the phone he thought about what was going to happen to him. Patrick didn't have the foggiest idea of when he would be released. And it's not like Patrick would be around forever. He stroked his chin thoughtfully as he contemplated the future, however, his deep thought was interrupted by the children nattering over the phone. He glared at Peter, he couldn't very well glare at his daughter from this many miles away.

"Your dad he had got permission for you to visit. When will that be? Tomorrow? Oh, so that's why it's tomorrow. I wish I could - wait. I have an idea. You understand already? That's good. I'll give you something in return. I would prefer it if it was green. Thanks. I'll give you back to your dad now." He looked at Patrick and gave him the phone.

"Thanks Pete," he said, he then put his ear to the phone "Hello again Holly, what were you talking about with Peter?"
"Can't tell you, it's a secret!"
"Oh I'm sorry about that Holly, did you like him?"
"Of course I liked him, but do you think we should tell him?"
He hushed his voice "Tell him what?"
"You don't know? I suppose you wouldn't. Don't worry about it."
"Hmm... fine. I'll say goodbye now. I have to get back to my 'Duty'"
"Bye dad. Love you."
He smiled peacefully and replied "Love you too Holly."

He put his phone back into his pocket and smiled to himself again. He noticed Peter grinning craftily, he eyed Peter warily. This only cause Peter's grin to increase further. He slowly moved closer until he was right in front of Patrick.
"You said you would tell me why you were chosen." His grinned almost consumed the rest of his face.
"I am afraid that I cannot tell you without my superiors consent." Patrick parried confidently, realising the mess he had gotten himself into.
"What? It's not like he'll know you told me."
Patrick though about what to say desperately, while keeping up his confident façade. He decided to play his trump card early"Why should I even have to tell you? Don't you know already?"
Peter blushed, he was speechless, for the first time in his life, speechless.
"You're still too young to fence with me, lad. Practice a bit and we'll try again."

He walked off, holding back the relief he felt until he had exited the room. Upon closing the door he sighed deeply, praying that Peter couldn't hear him. Time to report, he thought.

He reached the room and stepped inside quietly, he closed the door as quietly as possible and locked it. He went and sat down. David walked in and sat down opposite to him.
"Hey Dave, what did you want to talk about?"
"I told you, call me Colonel Reynolds." He spoke in a mocking tone. "We're here to talk about the project. How is Peter?"
"He's doing quite well. He's quite funny, he's managed to inherit your sense of humour. You should be proud."
"I'm not a very good father am I?" he was gloomy this time "How are things going with your daughter?"
"They're very good thanks to you. Thank you so much for convincing him to let her come."
"Come on Pat, how could I let her miss her dad's birthday? I'm not going to, I am coming with you. No matter what you say."
"I want you to, but the next day, you're taking my place with Pete. That sound good to you?"
He mock-saluted him "I'll try my hardest, sir"