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Steve Parker flipped onto his back and lay there for a moment before opening his eyes. The bed was soft. The sun and the sound of the ocean filled the room. He was glad Lana had chosen Cancun for this, their first vacation in years. He turned to his right and smiled at her, still sleeping by his side, a contented look on her dreaming face.
Despite all the initial uncertainties he knew he’d made the right decision. If he hadn’t quit now he knew he never would. Lana of course had never pressured him for a second. She knew what he did from early on and despite her fears she had always supported him. He kissed her lips gently and eased out of bed.
He went to the bathroom, closed the door, stripped off his shorts and jumped in the shower. As he soaped himself up he noticed some of the recent marks on his chest and arms, fading but still there. Lana had put up with a lot, he thought; not knowing if he was coming home every time he went out, trying not to show her upset when he came back with the latest set of bruises. But she knew he loved what he did and she wouldn’t try to take it from him. God, he was lucky to have her.
But he knew the toll it took on her and in truth, the toll it was taking on him as well. No matter how much he did, how hard he worked, tomorrow always presented more: more injustice, more cruelty, more suffering. He had been surprised at her reaction when he told her he was quitting. She’d shown none of the enthusiasm he’d assumed she’d show. She merely smiled a wistful smile, kissed his cheek and said she supported whatever choice he made.
At least the Squad had taken it as he’d expected. He certainly wasn’t the first to resign. Theirs was a high burnout business. Some walked away like he was doing. Some died. A few just got too old. Mag and Bull had been the only two who’d been openly skeptical. "You’ll be back. You’re one of those guys who thrives on the whole danger thing," Mag had said. "You’re nothing but a Boy Scout, Captain. You just love the idea of 'doing good deeds'," Bull had laughed. Steve had told them not to be such smartasses; they’d see.
He jumped out of the shower, dried himself off, dressed and walked into the suite’s living room. He sat down on the couch and turned on the radio, searching for some local music. He picked up the phone and dialed room service. A few moments after he had placed his order he heard a rustling coming from the bedroom. Lana poked her head out, golden hair ruffled, her face still red from yesterday’s sun and last night’s "activities".
"I’m going to take a shower. I’ll be dressed and ready to go in just a couple. You should have gotten me up when you woke up."
"I figured you earned your sleep." He winked at her. "I ordered breakfast. It should be here shortly." She smiled at him and got in the shower.
A short time later the doorbell rang. Steve opened it to find the bellman there with their food on a tray-on-wheels. Next to the food Steve saw a newspaper. He hadn’t expected that and hesitated before letting the bellman roll the tray in. Steve pulled a five from his wallet, handed it over and closed the door. He looked at the paper. They’d told themselves that while here on vacation they’d look at no newspapers, watch no TV news, no newsmagazines. This week would be a "news-free" zone. This time was for them alone and they wouldn’t let the outside world intrude.
Steve stared at the paper. I’ll just check out the weather. There’s nothing wrong with that. We need to know how the weather’s going to be today so we can make plans. He picked the paper up and scanned the small weather blurb in the upper right hand corner. Ninety degrees and sunny. Good. Ok. He put the paper down but not before the headline caught his eye. "Five kidnapped. Deaths imminent." Steve tried to avert his eyes, tried to focus on the music playing on the radio. He lifted the lid on the platter containing their breakfast and-
He picked up the paper and read. In the "old days", he mused, this would have had me going in a second. He put the paper down and sat in silence ignoring the food.
"It’s ok, you know." He was startled by Lana’s voice behind him.
"What do you mean?" He tried to appear casual. He failed.
"I knew this would happen. It’s all right. You can’t deny who you are." She leaned down and kissed his head.
He relaxed and turned around to kiss her as he got up.
"But I don’t have-"
"Oh yes you do," she interrupted. She walked into the bedroom, came out with a suitcase, opened it and lifted a linen piece that hid something colorful beneath it. She picked it up and held it.
Steve smiled, reached over, took it from her and in an instant had it on. He adjusted the headpiece. The bright yellow CJ on his chest shone in the sunlight coming in from the terrace.
"With any luck, I should be home for lunch," he said. "It’s only in Saudi Arabia."
He kissed her again as he headed for the terrace.
The Squadron of Heroes would be happy to have him back, he knew. Magno-Man and The Bullet would certainly have a good laugh at his expense, he thought as he stood at the doorway. But they deserve to. They know me better than I know myself. He sighed. I’m Captain Justice and once a superhero I guess, always a superhero.
And with that thought in his head he flew away.
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