Bones of the Lost

hundred and fifty-four governments have now ratified the UNDOC Trafficking in Persons Protocol, and eighty-three percent of countries now have a law that criminalizes trafficking in persons that is in accordance with the protocol.”
    Dew really did speak as though reading aloud.
    “Including the U.S.,” I said.
    “Yes. United States Code Title 18, Section 1591 stipulates severe penalties for anyone involved in human trafficking, and, as you no doubt know, North Carolina also has very strong laws. The difficultycomes in catching the traffickers because victims are so powerless and afraid.”
    “It’s a start,” I said.
    “It’s a start,” Dew agreed.
    Wishing me a speedy recovery, Dew departed.
    That evening it was Pete. His ninety-pound fruit basket had arrived on Saturday, so he came bearing Chinese takeout and at least one of everything sold at Dean and DeLuca.
    As I watched him stock my pantry and fridge, I wondered why Summer was elsewhere. Didn’t ask.
    While Pete opened little white cartons, I set two places at the table. Then we helped ourselves to brown rice, seafood lo mein, cashew chicken, and eggplant in garlic sauce.
    Way to go, Pete. My Baoding favorites.
    Over dinner, we discussed Katy, Majerick, Rockett, the Story brothers, D’Ostillo, Ara and her mother. And of course John-Henry Gross.
    “I’m sorry I dragged you into the whole mess, sugarbritches.”
    “Don’t be.”
    “It seems impossible that Hunter has a nephew capable of such cruelty. He’s such an ethical person.”
    “John’s behavior is no reflection on Hunter.”
    A few beats passed. When Pete spoke his voice was taut.
    “John Gross dishonored his oath. And shamed the Corps.”
    “Gross was an aberration. He shamed himself, not the Corps. When Eggers made accusations, the Corps played it by the book, did Gross no favors. The command investigated and prosecuted in an honest and forthright manner.”
    Pete’s jaw tensed, but he didn’t disagree.
    “I mean it. The Marine Corps dealt with Gross’s actions in Sheyn Bagh in a straightforward way. As did I in looking at the bones of his victims. Eventually Gross’s involvement in trafficking would have come to light. And the same impartial process would have kicked into gear.”
    “Hopefully with better results.”
    “Ironic, isn’t it?”
    Pete tipped his head.
    “Rockett and Gross. The man who seemed a monster was the one with a conscience. The man who seemed a patriot warrior had venom in his veins.”
    We talked about Katy. About the fact that the military had reversed its traditional stance and was now opening frontline combat positions to women.
    Seeing I found the subject less than calming, Pete changed tack.
    “So this troll Blanton was actually harmless?”
    “Just one weird dude.”
    “What was Blanton’s beef with Welsted?”
    “Just didn’t like each other.”
    “What’s with the cockatiel?”
    “He’s visiting.”
    “Where’s the birdcat?”
    “Holler ‘lo mein.’ He’ll be here in the flick of a whisker.”
    Thursday night, I’d closed Birdie in the closet when digging out the erasable board. Consumed by the firestorm swirling in my brain, I’d mistaken his scratching for sounds outside the annex. By the time I got home, the cat had been captive for hours. Since that distressing misadventure, he’d ventured downstairs only to eat.
    Or maybe it was Charlie. The two had never really bonded.
    Pete shouted. In seconds Birdie padded through the door.
    Pete placed noodles and shrimp on a saucer, smiled as he watched the feline scarf it up. Then the smile faded. When Pete spoke again, his voice carried a tone I hadn’t heard before.
    “That night.” Pete stopped to regroup. “I came here Thursday night. You were outside on the walk.”
    Ryan. The embrace. Headlights sweeping the drive, continuing past.
    “That was you?”
    Pete nodded.
    “Why didn’t you stop?”
    “You were with someone.”
    I said nothing.
    Pete studied his napkin as though he’d never seen one before. Then his eyes rolled up to mine.
    “I’ve called off the wedding.”
    I chuckled. “As I predicted. Wait a few—”
    “I’ve broken our engagement.”
    “What?” I hadn’t expected that.
    “The marriage wouldn’t have worked. I’ve known that for a while. When I saw you with—” Pete raised a hand. “It wouldn’t have worked.”
    “Where’s Summer?”
    “Gone back to her place.”
    “How is she?”
    “Not happy.”
    “Oh, Pete. I’m so