Eleanor gave Garrison a nod. "Alright, I''ll bring my daughter with me to the base for a week. I hope it won''t be too much trouble."


    Garrison smiled. "Not at all. We''re more than happy to have you." Then he added, "We''ll handle your transportation, Miss Sutton. No need to worry."


    Eleanor nodded her thanks.


    "Oh, and if Decker coulde along as well, that''d be great," Garrison added.


    Decker replied, "Of course, I''ll go with Eleanor."


    After the meeting, Byron turned to Eleanor. "If you run into any difficulties during your time at the base, just let me know. I''ll help with whatever you need."


    "I won''t hesitate to ask if somethinges up," Eleanor said, never one to stand on ceremony. For now, all she had to do was pack their bags and wait for the military escort.


    Word spread quickly after the meeting that Eleanor would be going to the military base to consult for a week. Faye, moping in her office, only felt worse when she heard the news.


    Later, Byron calledn to mention that Eleanor would be bringing her daughter along for the week''s assignment at the base. Ian''s response was brief and to the point: "Whatever she needs, see that she gets it."


    "I already asked Eleanor-she said she doesn''t need anything at the moment," Byron replied.


    "Alright."n ended the call.


    That afternoon, Eleanor picked up her daughter from school and asked the teacher for a week''s leave. As soon as Evelyn heard the news, her eyes lit up. "Mom, are you taking me somewhere fun?"


    Eleanor grinned. "Yes, Mommy has to work somewhere a bit far away, and you''lle along. How does that sound?"


    "Yay!" Evelyn giggled, delighted.


    Back home, Eleanor''s phone rang. She nced at the screen and was surprised to see Mansfield Ellington''s name.


    "Hello, Mr. Ellington," she answered.


    "I heard from Garrison you''ll be consulting at our base next week," Mansfield said, his tone warm and friendly.


    "That''s right. I''m in the middle of packing now."


    "Great, I''ll have someonee pick you up."


    "Wait, you''re sending someone for me?" Eleanor asked, a little surprised.


    "Yes. My team will be at your door at ten tomorrow morning to take you to the airport. It''s about a four-hour trip-we''ll see you at the base soon."


    "Thank you. I''m bringing my daughter this time, so I hope it won''t be an inconvenience."


    "Not at all. We understand it''s not easy for you. Once you get here, I''ll help you take care of her," he replied, his voice gentle.


    This was a rare opportunity, and Eleanor wanted Evelyn to experience something new. After all, chances to visit a ce like this didn''te often.


    She started packing, with Evelyn buzzing around excitedly. Around eight, their dog Princess suddenly barked with excitement and darted to the front gate, whining happily.


    Joslyn, watching Princess, guessed immediately-it must ben at the door.


    Sure enough, the security camera showedn standing outside.


    She opened the door. "Good evening, Mr. Goodwin. You''re here."


    "Is Eleanor home?"


    "She is-she''s packing for a trip with Evelyn."


    "Daddy!" Evelyn squealed as she ran into his arms. Ian scooped her up. "So,


    you''re off on an adventure with Mom?"