moment. I know that your parents had their differences, but your father would

have given his life to protect his wife. And his sons. I was deployed with him

around the world. As a junior officer I had his confidences. There was not a day

that went by when he did not speak to me about his family.” “He never said,”

replied Puller. “That was not his way. Your father was a doer, not a talker. It

made being under his command a bit difficult. He demanded Herculean effort from

all of us. But I will say, without reservation, that he never asked any of us to

do something he had not already done himself.” “Yes sir,” said Puller. “That was

how he was wired.” “Which brings us back to this situation and to you. For now,

the Army has tabled your resignation, but you are on indefinite leave.

 

What you do with that time is up to you.” Hall held up a warning hand. “But mark

this, you will not have the authority of the Army or the CID behind you, Puller.

That was the best that I could manage.” Puller looked at him curiously. “Manage?

With whom, sir?” Hall rose from his seat.

 

Puller quickly stood. “That’s all for now, Puller. And just so you know, this

meeting never happened. If you mention it to anyone, well, I would suggest that

you don’t.” Hall put out his hand. They shook. “Tell your father I said hello. I

know he probably won’t understand, but please do so anyway.” “I will, sir.”

“I’ve wanted to go by and see him.” “He’d like that, sir.” “One more thing,

Puller.” “Yes sir?” Hall drew closer to him. “Watch all points on the compass,

son.

 

And I mean all points. You trust yourself. That’s it. No one else. No one is