his voice deep. “Sit down, Puller. You look very stiff standing there.” Puller

sat.

 

Hall went over to a table that held a decanter of whiskey and several glasses.

“Drink?” “No thank you, sir.” “I’m pouring you one anyway. You look like you

could use it.” Hall brought the drinks over and handed one to Puller. Then he

sat down behind his desk. “I heard that you resigned from the Army today.” “News

travels fast.” “Certain news travels fast in certain channels.” Hall held up his

glass and took a sip of his drink. Puller followed suit. “And why did you do

it?” asked Hall. “From all accounts you’re one of the best investigators CID has

ever had.” “I didn’t think you’d been following my career.” “Your father was a

good friend and a terrific mentor. So, yes, I have been following your career.

And I know what you did in West Virginia. And in connection with your brother

being unfairly imprisoned. You have done your country exemplary service both on

and off the field of combat.” He took another sip of his drink, set the glass

down, and added, “Which is why you are here tonight.” “And why exactly am I

here, sir?” Hall leaned back in his chair. “There is something going on out

there, Puller, that I’m not sure about.” “You’re the VP, sir, what can you not

be sure about?” Hall gave a dry laugh. “You’d be surprised. This is a

complicated country and a complex government, with many tentacles around the

globe. No one can know everything about it. Not even the president himself, and

certainly not his second in command.” “And how do I fit into the equation?” “I’m

going out on a limb, Puller. But in this instance, I’m glad to do it. Your

father changed the direction of my life. I know his current circumstances, and I

know of the letter with the allegation against him. I don’t believe it for one