The Prosecution of General Hastings
Page 6
CHAPTER FIVE
Chez D’Artagnan was a short cab ride from the Old Ebbitt Grill. Everything in D.C. is a short cab ride from the Old Ebbitt Grill which is one of the reasons for its popularity. On the ride over, Bobby and Harry compared notes on the Pete Von Karmenn that both had served with in ‘operational mode,’ or using the old U. S. Cavalry vernacular that Harry favored, in ‘Injun Country.’ They shared the same opinion… Pete was one of the best.
The two had just settled in at the bar and were about to order a beverage when they noticed every male head in the room turn to observe the two ladies just entering. Penny Lane, walking and looking like a runway model, made straight for Harry. Her auburn hair fell straight to her shoulders and framed a face that could have graced the cover of any fashion magazine. His gaze connected with her frost green eyes as she crossed the room. Just a step to her left and one step behind was Annie Wilcox who was zeroed in on Bobby. Though they had lunched together twice during the week, the thrill of seeing her still quickened his pulse. Annie had hair as black as midnight with eyes just as dark. When she and Bobby were eye to eye in conversation, he sometimes felt lost, like he and been swallowed up in them. To say that the two men were appreciative of what was moving their way would not be adequate. To say that every other male in the room appreciated their entrance wouldn’t either.
Harry spoke first. “Evening, ladies. You’d best sit down right here, and quickly. And, please, don’t feel the least bit ashamed.”
“Hello, stranger. I’ve missed you,” said Penny, giving him a peck on the cheek. It had been two weeks since Harry had left for Somalia. “Why on earth would we feel ashamed?”
“Because every man in here has just undressed you two from the moment you stepped through the door,” he answered.
“Nice, Harry,” Penny said with an embarrassed frown.
“Geez, Harry,” said Annie Wilcox, still looking at Bobby.
“Always has the right thing to say, doesn’t he?” Bobby responded. He gave Annie his best boyish grin and a quick kiss on the cheek.
The couples took a high top for four and enjoyed one round of drinks before being called for their table. They were shown to a discreet corner of the dining area, near a window, but secluded from other guests. The ambient music was Earl Klugh’s soft jazz from the seventies, though no one at the table could have identified it.
“So,” asked Penny, “how was London, Mr. Kincaid? Did you represent Oceanic Import-Export well and bring home the bacon?” None of the Vice Presidents of the company ever accurately, or truthfully, described their business to anyone. In fact, Harry had forgotten where he had told Penny he was going.
“Oh, but of course,” he answered. “Everything went very well.” There was some truth to Harry’s answer. It had gone well. He just hadn’t been in London. “The import-export business is alive and well.”
“You were gone quite a while this time, weren’t you?” Annie asked Harry.
“Just a couple of weeks,” he answered. “Some things can’t be rushed.”
“And how about you, Penny?” Bobby turned the conversation away from Harry. “How are things at the U. S. Department of Agriculture?”
“I’m so glad you asked, Bobby. I’ve been dying to tell you guys about the latest news in farm subsidies. It’s absolutely fascinating. Where should we begin? Corn, wheat, or soy beans?” Even Penny couldn’t keep a straight face. She realized that her job was probably the least interesting of any represented at the table.
Bobby chuckled. “Well, I guess I’ll pick soy beans.”
A rescue of the conversation was brought on as their waiter arrived to discuss the evening’s specials. The four listened intently then bantered about the choices they had to make. They made their decisions and placed their orders, with Bobby deferring to Harry for the wine selection.
Thinking about their earlier conversation Bobby asked Harry, “By the way, where is Carol Von Karmenn living now? Is she still down in North Carolina?”
Penny looked up questioningly. “The wife of an old Army pal,” Harry explained. “No. She’s living in Lawton, Oklahoma, right outside of Fort Sill.”
Annie spoke up. “I know where that is.”
“Oh, really?” asked Bobby.
“Yes, I do.” Annie explained. “We lived there when Dad was stationed at Fort Sill. It was his last duty station before retiring and moving back to Nashville. I was just a kid. But my sister went to O.U. in Norman. Now she lives in Oklahoma City.”
“She’s the other lawyer in your family, right?” asked Bobby.
“Yup. She’s the biggest reason that I went to law school. I just happened to prefer Constitutional law and found my dream job here in D. C. Sally got into criminal law and likes to mix it up in the courtroom. She’s with a real good firm there and, she’s a great lawyer. Graduated from Stanford Law, head of her class.” The admiration that Annie had for her sister was evident.
“I didn’t realize you had a sister who is a lawyer, Annie,” said Harry. “This friend who called may have need for one out there.” He looked over and subtly nodded at Bobby.
“Her name is Sally Stillwell. She practices at Henson & Byars. I’d be happy to make the introduction if you want,” Annie offered.
“Great. Let me talk to Carol again and we just might ask you to do that. Small world, huh guys?” Harry smiled as they all agreed.