Chapter 3

Chapter 3
The days passed and Katie slowly began to get use to the idea of Billy's death.  She decided that she better go to the house where she and Billy were going to live and collect all their belongings.  She called Billy's parents, and they told her to take whatever she wanted and bring the rest to them.
As she arrived at the beautiful house, she realized that today would have been the day that she and Billy would have returned from their honeymoon, and he would have carried her through the door.  Again her eyes filled with tears.  There were still several unpacked boxes but for the most part everything was in its place.  Katie began sorting things out and packing them up when she heard the doorbell.  This surprised her because no one knew she was there except her dad and Billy's parents, and they would have entered without knocking.
As she opened the door, there stood a delivery boy with a dozen white roses, Katie's favorite. 
"I have a delivery for a Mrs. Katie Jones." 
"Well, I guess that's me, but who is it from?" 
"Um, it says here a Lt. Billy Jones."     
"Oh, well, I am sorry, but I don't have the money to pay for them."
 "Well ma'am, he paid for them over two months ago." 
“Oh. Okay, well, I do have a dollar for a tip.  Here you go." 
" Thank you. Have a nice day." 
As Katie sat down, she read the card Billy had hand written two months earlier.

Katie My Love,
I wanted to do something special on our first day in our new home.  I know how much you love white roses.  You will never know how much I love you.  I am the luckiest man in the world to be married to you.  Now, as I gave you an excuse for you to answer the door, guess you now know why.  I have been planning this for quite sometime.  I guess it's safe to come out now so let me know when you are finished so I can get my big hug and kiss.

Love always,
Billy

Katie only wished she could hug and kiss him.  She couldn't believe he had planned this two months ago.  That was how Billy always was.  She would cherish his card always and have the rose petals dried so she could keep them also.
A few days later Billy's body arrived and a full military funeral was given in his honor.  He was also given the highest military honors and awards for giving his life to save eight others.  Katie, along with Billy's parents, accepted in his honor.  Mr. and Mrs. Jones had requested two flags on his casket, one for them and one for Katie.  Both, of course, were folded and presented as the full twenty-one gun salute was given.
Katie stayed to say her final good-byes to Billy.  She told him how much she loved him and would miss him.  As she talked she pulled the ring out that she planned to give Billy on their wedding day.  She slipped it on his finger, kissed him one last time and walked away.
 Before she made it to her car, she was approached by a soldier. 
"Excuse me, Katie?" 
"Yes." 
"I was a good friend of Billy's and have information that might interest you.  I can understand if you don't want to talk now, but I can contact you later." 
"What information?" 
"Well, it's about Billy's death."
 "Were you there?" 
"Yes.  Look, I am not sure what you were told by the Army but I know what really happened.  I can't talk here.  If they see me talking to you, I'd be in big trouble.  Is there somewhere we can go?"
"Yes.  Here is my address.  You just come whenever is best." 
"Okay, I'll be there after dark tonight if that's okay." 
"Yes, that's fine, but why after dark?" 
"Well, I can't be seen going to your house.  You see, the Army doesn't want you to know what I know.  My career in the service was threatened if I ever spoke to you, but I feel you need to know what really happened.  Look, I better go before I am seen.  I'll be there at night fall."
As he left, Katie wondered what this was all about.  Then, she noticed a piece of paper on the ground.  She picked it up and unfolded it.  She was awestruck by its words.

Billy's death was no accident.  I am not sure why.  Will give details later.
Lt. Brian Walker

Katie knew that Brian and Billy were best friends.  They had graduated from West Point together.  She had met him before but only a few times and really didn't know that much about him.  Somehow she knew Brian was very serious about Billy's death not being an accident.