disagree with that.” “My husband said most of the enlisted under your father’s

command weren’t sure if he was going to shake their hand or kick their ass.” “I

wouldn’t disagree with that either.” “Jackie commanded a room too, only with

grace and elegance and just good vibes.” She paused. “They met in Germany, did

you know that?” “Vaguely.” Puller suddenly realized that he didn’t know much

about his parents’ courting history. “She was an Air Force brat. That was how I

always saw her, floating above it all. Don’t get me wrong. She was nice and

polite to everyone, and like I said, she pitched in with all the work. But she

was also reserved, keeping part of herself out of sight and reach of everyone.

Now, your father at the time was a lieutenant colonel with a chest full of

medals and bullet and shrapnel wounds from Vietnam.

 

They met at some military function. I heard it was like fire and ice slamming

into each other. But then within a year or so they were married.” “Opposites

attract.” “Maybe. She had two miscarriages before your brother was born.”

Apparently Bristow had made this abrupt segue to gauge Puller’s reaction,

because she was watching him closely.

 

His jaw dropping was all the answer she needed. “So you didn’t know?” “No, I

didn’t.” “Parents don’t often talk about that.” “I guess not.” “But I had

several miscarriages too, and it was something that Jackie shared with me after

she learned of my loss. That’s why I know those details. When you called, I

focused on that time in my life, and it was surprising how easily all our

conversations came back to me.” They fell silent for a few moments. “Can you

tell me anything about the day she disappeared?” asked Puller finally.