Chapter 3

2

Norfolk, VA

WHEN THE PLANE finally landed at Norfolk, Chris was more than happy to once again have his feet firmly planted on terra firma. He’d been on a different plane for each of the three hops he’d made across the country. Military transport planes offered little, if anything, in the way of amenities, or for that matter, comfort, so what little sleep he’d gotten was, at best, fitful. When he arrived at the entrance to the base, he called his old college roommate, Mickey O’Donovan, to let him know he’d landed.

“Chris, glad you’re finally here,” Mickey’s familiar voice said. “I’ve been juggling my schedule at the bank ever since I got your call the other day, and I’m happy to report that I have two whole days freed up.”

“That’s great, Mickey. How far are you from the base?”

“Fifteen, twenty minutes tops, buddy. Are you at the main gate?”

“You bet.”

“See you in a few, then.”

“How’s Mabel?” Chris said.