Walked the streets by themselves. A hundred full colonels here when most posts

were lucky to have a dozen.” “It was special in that way.” “But your daddy

didn’t need no entourage. Man was a damn load to handle all by himself.” “I

wouldn’t dispute that.” The two men stared uncomfortably at each other.

 

Demirjian blurted out, “Look, I just want you to know right off that I don’t

agree with Lynda. But she was insistent. And she’s…” “I know about her medical

condition and I’m very sorry. I only have really good memories of her from our

time here. She’s a fine lady.

 

And I hold nothing against her.” “That’s real nice of you to say, John. Lynda’s

been a wonderful wife and mother and grandmother. But she just wouldn’t let this

go.” “When did it start?” “About three months ago. Out of the blue. We’d just

moved her into a facility to help her…needs.” “And she just started talking

about my mother and father?” “You have to understand, John…” He paused. “Heard

you were in the Army too.” “CWO, 701st MP Group out of Quantico.” “That’s an

elite group,” said Demirjian. “You get nominated for that group, not selected.”

“Yes sir.” The older man waved off this form of address. “I never got the sir

when I was in uniform because I wasn’t an officer. And I sure don’t deserve it

now, Chief Puller.” “You were a top-notch SFC. Dad always said so. And as you

know, he was a tough man to please. And call me John.” Demirjian looked around.

“I remember coming over and barbecuing in this backyard. You and your brother

running around playing Army soldiers. It was in your blood.” “You were a good

friend to Dad. And to us.” “I would have run through a wall for your father,

John. Hell, I did run through a wall for him. A wall of ground fire, mortar