As the men walked back to their cars Demirjian said, “Could you give your daddy

my best next time you see him?” “I sure will.” “He doesn’t know about this, does

he?” “No. I’m not sure he’s in a position right now to understand it anyway.”

“Maybe that’s for the best.” “Maybe it is,” agreed Puller. “And I’m sure any

investigation they do will clear your daddy absolutely and completely.” As

Puller climbed back into his car, he wasn’t nearly as certain of that as the old

soldier was.

 

Chapter 9

 

WHEN PULLER RETURNED to his motel room he called his brother.

 

Robert Puller answered on the second ring. “Please don’t tell me you’re

investigating this,” Robert said immediately. “Good morning to you too, big

brother.” “It’s the afternoon here. Where are you?” “In Virginia.” “Right. Where

in Virginia? Fort Monroe, perhaps?” “You got a satellite tracking me?” “No, but

I can have one deployed. Or I can follow the chip in your phone. Or you can save

me the paperwork and the cost of the sat time and tell me yourself.” “I just

spoke to Stan Demirjian.” “Oh, you just happened to run into him,” said Robert

sarcastically. “Actually, I did. I came down to look at our old quarters and

there he was.” “You’re shitting me.” “I’m going to talk to his wife later today.

She’s in hospice.” “And what exactly do you expect to gain from doing that?”

“Some answers, maybe.” “CID will have your ass if they know you’re inserting

yourself into this matter.” “They never ordered me off the case. And besides,

I’m not here professionally. But it is my dad, so I don’t see why I can’t follow