Fanfiction: Broken Wings, Chapter 4

[rachel500]

For author's note and disclaimer see Chapter 1.
 

 

Cam was surprised when Sheppard picked him up from the airport in a two-seater Porsche convertible. He whistled and asked to drive. John grinned at him, told him it was his brother's so could he please not damage it and threw him the keys. It boded well for them sharing a cockpit.

They made small talk about the flight and music preferences when they mock-fought over the radio. They settled on a sports channel and talked about college football. The time passed by quickly and Cam was almost startled when Sheppard pointed out a driveway and he realised they were there.

'How rich are you?' Cam asked, daunted by the big house and grounds although he would never admit it out loud.

Sheppard shrugged sheepishly as they pulled up. He got out and Cam followed him, picking up his bag. 'My brother's the businessman; he takes after our Dad. He's very successful.' He hovered by the side of the car as Cam tossed him the keys back. 'I, uh, should warn you. I was, well, estranged for a while. Dave and I...well, we've been trying since Dad died but it's...a work in progress.'

For a second, Sheppard was caught in the amber glow of the evening sun. He looked tired; worn and vulnerable enough that Cam was reminded of Daniel's comment. The rush of protectiveness surprised Cam; he was sure Sheppard would kill himself laughing if he knew about it. Colonels weren't supposed to feel protective over other Colonels who almost certainly knew several ways of killing life-sucking vampires.

'OK.' Cam hefted his bag. 'Potentially hostile natives; got it.'

Sheppard's face lit up with humour. He led the way inside and Cam followed. The place was huge. Sheppard gave him a tour before waving away a hovering housekeeper and showing Cam to a guest room. The bed was easily twice the size of the one he had at home and the adjoining bath was filled with gleaming chrome and the latest in appliances. Sheppard left him to shower with the knowledge that they'd meet downstairs and go over to the hangar before dinner so Cam could check out the plane.

It was enough of a motivation to make Cam speed through his ablutions. The trip to the hangar was equally quick and before he knew it he stood in front of a Cessna, a wide and genuine grin splitting his face for the first time in days, maybe weeks.

'Now that's what I'm talking about.' Cam breathed out.

Sheppard grinned back at him. 'Come on, let's get acquainted.'

They checked her out completely even though they'd do the same thing before they headed out the next day. They fell easily into a working rhythm; the Air Force gifting them with shared short-hand and processes that they automatically dropped into without discussion. Sheppard explained about the private airfields and offer of accommodation, and Cam nodded along happily. They agreed to split the fuel bill and expenses for food and beer. Somewhere in the conversation, Sheppard became John.

They were going over the flight plan when John's brother turned up. Dave seemed like an OK guy but it was clear he and John were feeling their way with one another. They all headed back to the house for dinner.

As they sat down, John threw him a look that in the field Cam would interpret as 'you're up' and Cam jumped in, asking Dave about his family. Dave seemed as appreciative as John in Cam taking the lead and answered back politely about his wife of five years, Heather, and his two children, JJ and Ella. They were apparently staying in the Hamptons with Heather's parents. There was real warmth in Dave's descriptions of JJ who was three and Ella who was barely one, and Cam noticed John drank up the information his brother shared like a thirsty man presented with water.

Dave broke the formality of the dinner to offer up photos and somehow by the time they got to dessert, there were a couple of photo albums out and the brothers were beginning to recall embarrassing childhood memories of each other. Cam figured his work was done. He excused himself and went to bed.

He was tired enough that when he closed his eyes he knew it wasn't going to take much to push him that extra nudge into sleep and for once, his mind refused to dwell on Amy or the aftermath. He thought about John and his brother instead; the strange dance of reconciliation they had going and wondered how much of the family estrangement was behind John's weariness. It was nice to have something to think about apart from his own problems, Mitchell mused. He slid into sleep between one thought and the next.

Cam slept for a straight eight hours and woke with the sunrise. He got ready and went in search of John. He found him running up to the front entrance having clearly gone for a jog. John spotted him and waved as he ran up.

'Hey, you sleep OK?' John unhooked earphones and slid them into the pocket of his sweatpants as he placed a bottle of water on the ground and started doing a series of stretches.

Cam leaned on the wall, crossed his arms over his chest and nodded. John didn't look like he'd slept at all. 'You?'

'Some.' John picked up the water bottle and took a healthy gulp. He lifted the bottom edge of his t-shirt to wipe at his brow.

'Ah, there you are.' Dave came out of the front door. 'Mrs Jeffers wanted...' he stopped abruptly at the sight of John, paled and stared.

Cam took another look at John seeing him through Dave's eyes; there were scars all over John's belly, some more faded than others. Cam grimaced, remembering the same kind of look on his mother's face after Antarctica when she'd seen the criss-cross of raw surgery scars along his legs; the realisation of how close she'd come to losing him. They were all faded now to thin silvery lines which considering the few times he'd lost his pants on missions was just as well but Cam could see each one; feel each one. John dropped the t-shirt quickly to cover himself up.

Dave swallowed and regrouped. 'Breakfast?'

'I'll get dressed.' John's hazel eyes were wary as they met Dave's. 'Meet you there in fifteen minutes?' He slid into the house without waiting for agreement.

Dave pulled himself back together quickly, turning to Cam with a polite smile. 'You must be hungry.'

'Breakfast sounds good.' Cam agreed, letting Dave pretend that he hadn't come close to falling apart at the evidence of how dangerous his brother's life really was. Dave led the way back into the house and through to the small conservatory off the back of the kitchen. Morning sunlight was streaming in over a neatly set table. He could definitely get accustomed to this, Cam thought with satisfaction as he sat down.

Dave took the seat next to him. 'Mrs Jeffers wanted to know how you'd like your eggs.'

Mrs Jeffers was the elderly, stout woman with grey curly hair pouring coffee into Cam's cup. He smiled up at her. 'Whatever's easiest for you, ma'am.' Before he knew it, he'd agreed to an omelette and Mrs Jeffers was walking out.

'She's been with the family years.' Dave said wryly. 'I've learned it's best not to argue.'

Cam sipped his very good coffee and nodded agreeably.

'May I ask why you joined the Air Force?' Dave said. He fiddled with his linen napkin, ignoring the coffee and juice. His mind was evidently still occupied by John's scars.

'My Dad was a test pilot.' Cam replied honestly. It wasn't the full story but Cam thought telling the story of how his father lost his legs was probably not a good idea. 'It was all I ever wanted to be.'

'All John ever wanted to be too.' Dave sighed. He offered Cam a basket of croissants.

'What about you?' Cam asked. He took one of the flaky pastries and ripped it apart, before spreading butter and jam liberally.

'I always wanted to be a businessman.' Dave admitted. He reached for his coffee and took a long gulp.

'Like your Dad?' Cam questioned.

Dave's lips twisted in a parody of a smile. 'Actually, I only got interested because of John.'

'I'm not sure I understand.' Cam admitted. The croissant was great; melting on his mouth and stirring his appetite.

'Sibling thing, I guess.' Dave explained succinctly. 'Dad wanted John to take over the business, so despite the fact that John didn't want it, I wanted it.'

Cam nodded thoughtfully. 'And got it.'

Dave shrugged. 'Dad started paying attention once I got my degree and asked for an interview into the graduate programme, and as it turns out, I'm very good at business.'

There was a pause while Mrs Jeffers slid plates of food in front of them, and before Cam could return to the topic, John entered, dressed in old jeans and another t-shirt which made Cam feel better about his own identical outfit. He looked at his plate to hide his smile at the thought that they were still conforming to a uniform of sorts.

'So what did I miss?' John asked as he smiled charmingly at Mrs Jeffers who blushed and told him she would be right back with his eggs.

'Swapping career stories.' Cam commented, carving up his omelette. 'Your brother was telling me that he always wanted to be in business.'

John poured himself a coffee and nodded. 'Well, he's really good at it.'

Cam saw Dave flush with pleasure at the unexpected praise from his big brother but John's attention was on the coffee and he didn't notice. Cam swallowed hastily. 'I have to admit I don't know much about business myself.'

'Dave increased profits this year against economic conditions.' John informed Cam briskly. 'Three quarters of consecutive growth. Employee satisfaction is high. We have less staff turnover compared to our competitors.'

Dave stopped eating and stared at John. 'How do you know all that?'

'I looked it up online last night.' John admitted, rearranging his cutlery. He looked at his brother with amusement. 'Thought if I'm part owner I should know the basics of how we're doing.' He held Dave's expression. 'Dad would have been proud of you.'

'I think he was in the end,' Dave said slowly, 'I mean, he never said, you know how he was, but I like to think he left me what he did because he knew I was good.'

'I think you're right.' John said simply and picked up his coffee.

Cam concentrated on his food and tried to pretend that he wasn't there. He sensed that the two brothers needed the conversation; had danced around it since their reconciliation. He wondered briefly at the kind of man Patrick Sheppard had been and thought fondly of his own father.

'I think that's why he left you what he did too.' Dave said tentatively.

'Maybe.'

There was a return of tension in John's tone. Cam raised his gaze quizzically and saw John's hand tighten around his cup. John was ready to reassure Dave that their father loved him but it seemed John wasn't prepared to accept such a reassurance for himself. Cam reached for his own coffee as casually as he could. 'You're part owner of Sheppard International?'

'Apparently.' John replied, and exchanged a look with his brother. There was obviously something more going on but it was between Dave and John, and since the shared brotherly moment meant the tension eased again Cam didn't mind being made the outsider.

Mrs Jeffers arrived with John's plate and silence broke out in favour of eating. Cam sat back, feeling full and satisfied.

Dave leaned back at the same time, leaving John alone finishing his food. 'You know if you're interested in knowing the basics of the business, we do have a full board meeting coming up in a few weeks.'

John speared his brother with a look that Cam interpreted as 'I didn't think so' with a dash of 'hell, no.'

Dave smiled back as though he expected the answer, signalling he was teasing. But his smile faded and his expression turned thoughtful.

'What?' John pressed.

Cam wondered again if he shouldn't excuse himself and leave the brothers to it.

'Nothing, I was...' Dave shook his head. 'Don't worry about it.'

John pinned Dave with a knowing, impatient look that said 'tell me or there will be consequences you will not like.' Cam took a moment to admire John's mastery of non-verbal communication and decided he had to try that particular look on his own team. It worked on Dave like a dream.

Dave cleared his throat. 'When people realised Dad had left some stock to you, it caused some rumblings. I mean, the board didn't know you or what you would do with it.' He sat forward, tapping his fingers restlessly against his coffee cup. 'Most of it went away when we announced you had no interest in the day to day running, were deployed overseas, and I was your proxy so had the controlling share.'

'Most of it?' John latched onto the same words that Cam had noted.

Dave's lips thinned. 'I'm an untried CEO, John. There are always those looking and waiting to see me fail, and if I do...' he lifted an eyebrow sardonically, 'it couldn't have escaped your notice that your stock combined with a couple of others on the board could shift control of the company.'

John frowned. 'Well, one; that it isn't going to happen because you're going to be my proxy like forever and, two: you're a great CEO.'

Cam knew John saw Dave's delight in the praise because John went almost as red as Dave, and both of them suddenly found their coffee very interesting. He rubbed his arm and decided the Sheppard brothers had provided him with enough unknowing entertainment for the morning. He suggested that he meet John in half an hour to go to the hangar and received a nod in return. He heard the murmur of their voices starting up again as he left the conservatory.

It took him no time at all to pack up. He dumped his bag in the hall and headed out for a walk. The difference between his parents' well-worn farm and the glossy manicure of the Sheppard's estate hit him before he'd walked a hundred yards but he kept going until he reached a fence. He leaned on the top railing, painted a perfect white, and watched the horses.

His mind strayed back to the Sheppard family; he wondered idly what it must had been like to grow up with so much wealth and yet so little certainty of a parent's love and approval. He wondered idly what happened to John's Mom; where she had been while Patrick Sheppard had played power games with his sons.

He felt a rush of thanks for his own parents. He thought of their unquestioning support of his career even after the crash in Antarctica; of his decision about Amy. He remembered his Dad's words at the airport, remembered the brief courtesy call to his Mom when he'd arrived at the airport and her maternal concern for him.

Suddenly, he couldn't remember why he had felt trapped at home; why he was running away from them. He reached for his cell before he could question the action.

'Frank Mitchell.'

'Hey, Dad, it's me.' Cam turned around and rested back on the railing, one arm crossed tightly over his torso.

'You OK, son?' His Dad asked immediately.

'I'm...' not OK. Cam shook his head and began again. 'I just...I love you guys; you know that right?'

'We know.' His Dad said. 'We love you too.'

And Cam wanted to explain, wanted to tell his Dad that he was right; Cam knew he was unhappy but he didn't know why. He was going to find out though and then he was going to fix it; that he hated that they couldn't fix it for him because he knew it hurt them...which might have been why he needed to leave the farm but he couldn't seem to think of the words; couldn't seem to talk past the lump in his throat.

'We're going to be right here when you're through this.' His Dad said into the silence.

Cam rubbed a hand over his head and stared at the grass. 'I don't even know what I'm doing.'

'You're doing what you need to do right now.' His Dad said reassuringly. 'We understand.'

Cam laughed at that roughly. 'I'm glad someone does.'

'It's working though, isn't it?' His Dad pointed out gently.

And he was right; the day before Cam would never had called his Dad; never admitted that anything was wrong other than the obvious break-up and debacle with Amy. He shifted and caught sight of John by the front door. Cam waved to acknowledge that he'd seen him.

'I have to go, Dad.' Cam said.

'Stay safe.' His Dad replied.

Cam finished the call and headed back toward the house. John was loading the car with their duffle bags and two large coolers.

'Provisions.' John explained. 'Mrs Jeffers insisted and...'

'And it's better not to argue with Mrs Jeffers.' Cam finished with a smile, handing him the second cooler.

'All OK?' John gestured back towards the fence and Cam got that he was referring obliquely to the phone call.

'Just checking in with my folks.' Cam replied. It felt good to say it and mean it. He stepped back to let John close the trunk.

John turned around and Dave walked over. There was a painful moment of hesitation before Dave reached for his brother. They hugged awkwardly and both wore relieved faces when they stepped back.

'So.' John said.

Dave pushed his hands into his pants' pockets. 'I'll call you about San Francisco.'

John nodded. He made for the driver's seat.

Cam reached his hand out to shake Dave's. 'Thanks for the hospitality.'

'Any time.' Dave darted a glance toward John and back to Cam. There was evidently something he wanted to say but couldn't. Cam could take a guess at what it was.

'I'll look after him.' Cam promised in a low voice.

Dave's expression cleared. 'Thanks.'

Cam slid into the passenger seat and, with a final wave at Dave, they were on their way back to the hangar.

'San Francisco?' Cam asked as he settled into the seat.

'Dave's going to meet me when we get there.' John said as though it wasn't a big deal. His face twisted into a grimace. 'So we can finalise the details for the board meeting.'

Cam smiled. He might have guessed faced with the choice of protecting his brother or not, John would have given in.

'It's not funny.' John grumbled. 'I have to wear a suit.'

'That is awful.' Cam agreed insincerely. 'I don't know how you'll survive.'

John lifted a hand from the wheel and when he glanced at Cam, laughter sparked golden glints in John's hazel eyes. 'Go ahead. Laugh it up.'

'You could change your mind.' Cam teased.

'Really can't.' John sighed, sobering. 'He didn't say it but I think he needs a show of strength to consolidate his position.' He glanced over again. 'Thanks by the way. It's helped having you here as a...'

'Visiting diplomat?' Cam offered when John struggled to find a description.

John laughed shortly. 'That works.'

'You never reconciled with your father before his death?' Cam asked curious.

'No.'

And the walls went up with the single word. The subject was as off-limits as it had been when Cam had offered his condolences over a year before in a rushed meeting in an elevator at the SGC. He wondered whether John had grieved for his father at all; whether it was grief at the root of the fatigue that dogged the other man.

Tactically, Cam changed the subject to the flight plan and they talked about that until they arrived at the hangar. It was a busy morning. They finalised the plan, logging it with the air authorities along with the paperwork with the help of Dave's assistant, and with the SGC. They checked over the plane again and packed her up with the bags and coolers.

Just after lunch, they were ready to go. John assumed the controls and Cam tried hard not to fidget in the seat beside him as John radioed Richmond and asked for clearance. It was John's plane but Cam knew he'd get his turn.

Two minutes later, the plane raced down the airstrip and zoomed into the open blue sky. Cam's heart lifted as they climbed; his breathing easing out with each cloud they passed.

John grinned beside him and Cam grinned back.

Cam's Dad was right; Cam was doing exactly what he needed to do and he needed this; needed to fly like he needed air.

Chapter 5