Part 397: Brian's Letter Part 1

Kellye finally woke up from her drug induced stupor. She could feel the IV in her veins. She calmly raised her right wrist and saw that it was bandaged in a cast. She already could tell she was in a hospital and even thought she must have blacked out, obviously her fellow police officers came and got her. She looked around and smiled when she saw the friendly faces of her mother, her brother and Jenny. May stood up and walked over to her. “Hey, baby,” she smiled, “How are you feeling?”

“Like I just fought a 2 ton bull,” she groaned.

“You might as well have done that,” Jenny said, gently touching her shoulder, “I’m sorry about Day.”

“He moved . . .he moved so fast, Jenny,” Kellye sniffed, “I couldn’t stop him. He just . . .killed . . Edwin.”

“I’m sorry, Kell. But do not blame yourself. Day never should have went into that place without backup and the captain knows that.”

“Jenny, you have to be careful. This Ortega guy . . .he’s become fixated on you . .I don’t know what he’ll do.”

“You rest now, I have to go get the captain cause he’s going to want a full statement.” Jenny said, embracing her friend.

Jenny calmly left the room allow Kellye to spend some time with her family. Jesse walked over and kissed her on the forehead. “You all right, Jesse?” she asked.

“You never change,” he smirked, “You got your wrist broke and you are still worrying about me.”

“I’m so happy you are okay, Kellye,” her mom stifled a tear.

“I’ll be okay, Mom. I just . . .need time.”

The captain then came in followed by the squad of women she was walking with. The captain had the information that Jenny had obtained from Penelope Widmore and showed her the photo of Stephan Ortega. Kellye shook her head confirming that was indeed the man. The captain then left the room, to put out an immediately APB on his face and was even considering using the local news. Ana-Lucia reassured Kellye that no one blamed her for Detective Day’s death. They would check up on her later. Kellye smiled at the friendship she received from Jenny and Ana-Lucia, and plus with Maxine and Meg who she knew would be good friends for her further in life.

But like she said, she needed time.



Later that night, Kellye sat alone in a chair in her room. She tried not to think about it but all she could see was Day’s eyes as his blood went cold in the warehouse. The brunette covered her face with her hands and silently wept. She thought she would have left dead bodies and dying friends back in the Gulf and the Island. Being a soldier was what she did best but even good people can break. She knew death might come with the job; it’s any risk. But she never knew she would once again, be faced with an enemy she could not defeat.

The door then opened and she gasped, leaning up. Much to her surprise, it was her younger brother Jesse. He looked at her and gave no indication why he was there. Kellye quickly wiped her eyes but it was too late; he could already tell she had been crying. “Jesse, what are you doing back up here?” she asked, “I thought you and mom were going home.”

“We are, I just . . .wanted to come to check on you one last time before the night.” He said, staring at the floor.

“I’ll be fine, Jesse.” She smiled, “I was just . . just . . .”

“Crying.” He finished for her.

Kellye looked at him and saw nothing but sympathy in his gaze. She then walked over and embraced him. She silently wept on his shoulder as he held onto her. Even though she was his big sister, he was about four inches taller than her. Brian use to always joke that since he was the tallest, he would have been the best choice for big brother anyway. Jesse kissed her on the cheek and held her close. “You don’t have to be strong in front of me.” He whispered, “I already know you are the toughest chick in Los Angeles.”

“Jenny is tougher,” she laughed, through her tears.

“She may be tougher physically but you are stronger emotionally. I know losing Brian was a blow to all of us but we’ve had to get through it. Don’t blame yourself for what happened to your friend. You did your best and that’s all you can hope to do.”

“But what happens next time?” she parted from him, “What happens if I can’t save the next person I am with?”

“You will be stronger next time,” Jesse gently put something in her hands, “Goodnight . . .War Dove.”

Kellye felt her heart skip a beat; making herself feel proud that Jesse called her by Brian’s nickname. A nickname that Jesse once thought was corny. The young man smiled and walked out of the room. Kellye looked at the door and then stared at the item he placed in her hands.

It was Brian’s letter.

She slowly walked back over to the chair and sat down. On the side of the envelope it read; For Kellye; Open only When You Need To. The young woman smiled at the thoughtfulness of her younger brother. He clearly believed she needed to read Brian’s last words. She calmly ripped open the letter. Inside was a few pages of hand written words and a smaller envelope. She looked at the first page and started to read it.

Dear Kellye,

Hey, War Dove, it's your brother. I should've already told you why I gave you this, but in case I didn't...I don't have a good feeling about this next mission. And just in case there's a good reason for that feeling, I wrote you this.

You are the nicest, kindest, most caring and loving person I know. And funny as hell, to boot. I knew I could talk to you about anything without you judging me or telling it to everyone else. It might sound cheesy but you were my best friend. I love you so much! Don't ever forget that.

Do you know why I call you 'War Dove'? You're the beauty in the bad times. You...you were my solice, Kellye. Somehow I felt as if nothing could get to me when we were together...as a team.

I often wondered what would have happened had Pop not been killed in a war. If he managed to get his leg blown off or something, then sent home to mama. Military is in our blood, Kellye. I had no delusions that you wouldn’t follow us in our footsteps. I was proud of you when you graduated from boot-camp and made infrantry. I was even more proud when I heard you made specialist so soon. But not everything is black and white, Kellye. Watch your friend’s backs and your own; they’ll see you through.

Remember Cyke? He was this snot nosed private who I kept under my wing with me and Hatcher. He was our best friend during boot camp; he made me laugh. I watched out for him and so did Hatcher. He was called Cyke because it was short for Cyclops; for that stupid mole on the center of his forehead. If there was one thing Cyke was good for, it was the ability to make anybody laugh. Except Lt. Crawford.

Remember when Cyke died? There was a story behind that, that I never told anyone. You are the only one who I could trust with this information. So the story I am about to tell you is pretty vivid.

But hey, War Dove . . .that’s war.”


to be continued . . . .