EPILOGUE

 

A New Player

 

 

 

 

The man sat back in his swivel chair, glaring intently at the papers folded in his hands.  His phone rang sharply and he jerked upright in the chair, scooping up the receiver.

“DOD, Str---“

“I know who it is.” The voice was low and growling.  With the slightest twinge of a Scottish accent.

“I thought I told you never to call me here,” the man in the suit barked, leaning forward in his chair.

“Since when do you make the rules in this little agreement?”

“Since it’s my butt on the line.”

“Relax, my boy…my phone lines are quite…secure.”

“Good.”

“I appreciate all that you’ve done for us over the years.”

“Is that what this is?  A thank you?”

“Not exactly.  You provided us with radar information and all sorts of other welcome, but highly restricted information.  Yet, the Joes still struck us unexpectedly.  Foiled our plans yet again.  What is your explanation for this?” his voice was growing somewhat testy on the other end.

“I can’t possibly know everything, D—“

“Do not say my name.”

“I thought the lines were secure.”

“We appreciate your help.  That does not give you free reign to sarcasm and jokes.  We can still make certain people…disappear.  It would do you well not to forget that.”

“I won’t.  Really.” The man in the suit looked suddenly concerned.  He rubbed a hand over his smooth face, which itched just slightly. 

“Good to hear.  I’m just letting you know that we’re not quite done with you yet.”

“So I gathered.”

“Be prepared for another call.”

Three swift raps echoed from the man’s wooden door with rippled glass window.  He squinted but could only see Army green, and no details.  “I have to go.”

“Very well.” 

The phone clicked on the other end as the door swung open and the broad shouldered man strode confidently in, his General stars gleaming under the florescent light.  The man set the phone down on its cradle and stood, smiling.

“General Abernathy!” he said warmly, extending a hand.

“I hope I’m not interrupting,” Hawk said, taking his hand and shaking it.

“No, not at all, sir.  Please sit down.”

“No, that’s all right.  I have to make this quick.”

“Fine then.  Hey, congratulations on the Cobra Island campaign.  Nice piece of work.”

Hawk’s eyes darted around the office nervously.  “That is classified information, son.  On the record, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

The man sat back down in his chair and smirked.  “Of course.  What can I do for you?”

“Well, I was a little distressed when you didn’t return my message a few weeks ago.  I was stopping by to make sure there’s no hard feelings.”

“No, of course not!” the man said genuinely.  “It was…a bad time.  That’s all.”

“Well, the invitation still stands.”

“Does it?” the man in black asked, leaning in closer.

“Of course.”

“Well, General, what can I say?” he leaned back slightly, his face beaming.  “I’d be honored, sir.” He stood and once again extended his hand, which Hawk happily shook once again.

“Good to hear it, son!”

“So, when do you want me?”

Hawk started for the door, and then glanced back.  “As soon as you can get the paperwork cleared.”

“I’ll get right on it.”

“Good.”  Hawk opened the door and slid out, and then slipped his head quickly back in.  “Welcome back to the GI Joe team…Mercer.”

The man in black nodded briskly, saluted and was once again left to his thoughts.