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of his life. He wished that it would never end. But alas, Sunday afternoon they had to say goodbye to the Bennings.
    â€œWe had such a wonderful weekend. You both made us feel right at home. You have a really beautiful place here.”
    â€œWe’re so happy you liked it. Please say hello to Chuck, and don’t you two be strangers,” Joan answered.
    They set out for DC to start a new week. Mark played a few Barry White albums during the drive back. They were both thoroughly exhausted, but in the nicest way, and decided that they would go back to their own apartments to get some much needed sleep before work the next morning.
    *
    At ten o’clock Monday morning, Colonel Carter summoned Sue and Mark to his office. He motioned for them to sit down. “A certain matter has come to my attention that requires an immediate resolution,” he started. “One of the terms that you both agreed to when you signed on with us was that there would be no fraternization with other members of the team, or with anyone working in a support role.”
    Mark looked at Sue. She appeared as stunned as he was. He didn’t recall agreeing to any terms like that. He could understand such a rule, and would have probably agreed to it at the time, but it never occurred to him that anything Sue and he did together might jeopardize their work or put them in a compromising position. They both exhibited a look of surprise.
What on earth was he talking about?
    â€œI can tell by the look on both of your faces that you were not aware of this rule. So, I’m willing to give you the benefit of the doubt on that, however, whatever you are doing together must stop. If you are unwilling to do so, your positions will be terminated immediately.” He stopped talking for a minute, eyeing them both. “I understand that this is something that you will need to discuss together, so I’m willing to give you until nine tomorrow morning. Be back here then. Now get out of here, both of you.”
    They both had busy schedules for the rest of the day, so they agreed to meet at Susan’s apartment at seven that night. Mark checked with Chuck to see if he knew about the no-fraternizing rule. He, too, was unaware of any such rule.
    Mark wondered how Carter found out about the weekend. Of course, that didn’t really matter right now. He carefully considered his options. They were few. He could cave in and continue what was turning out to be a promising career, or he could give in to his passions and live happily ever after. Of course the latter choice would leave him without a job and possibly without a decent reference to show for his brief period of service to his country. But, on the other hand, he would have Susan, at least for now. But, then again, what if they had a falling out and broke up? There were no guarantees in human relationships. The high divorce rate in the U.S. attests to that. If they did split-up, he would have sacrificed his career for a short period of bliss. Then he thought about how disappointed his father would be. He was so proud of Mark being in Washington working for his beloved country, even if it was for a Democratic administration. Mark also needed to consider if it was fair to ask Susan to give up all that she had worked for. He knew what this assignment meant to her. As the day wore on, Mark mulled over these thoughts. This was going to be the toughest and most painful decision he ever had to make.
    *
    Mark arrived at her apartment promptly at seven. Sue answered the door in jeans. She had a light turquoise sweater on. He looked into her reddened eyes and saw the turmoil that she was probably seeing in his. They hugged, but she pulled herself away and sat down on an overstuffed chair. She gestured for him to sit on the couch. She was already sending the message that she had made up her mind to end the affair. She just had to verbalize it.
    Mark decided to let her off the hook by speaking first,