[This section is in the POV of Walker and Gray]
Gray had waited for his son to head back to his own room to get his stuff and leave before sitting down on the sofa next to Walker in the living room. As he sat, he gave Walker a serious look before saying in a solemn voice, "So? What is the response by the higher-ups?"
"Three years." Walker held out three fingers with his right hand as he said in a similar tone, "Your next assignment is a three-year project that takes place in the Middle East. It will start during Christmas this year, so you have more than a month to prepare."
Gray furrowed his brows as he said in a low tone, "Can't you shorten the time? At least make it so that I will be there for Hunter's high school graduation and his first day of school in university."
"No can do." Walker shook his head. "That's the best I can do given the situation. I don't think you have any other choice. Of course, if we were to have your son-"