Page 26 of Garr

“I’m not going back up in this mess,” she frowned. “I’m going to park her in stealth mode and head to The Mayflower Hotel. Comms booked rooms for all of us. I’ll meet you guys there later tonight.”

“Thanks, Evie,” nodded Sebastian.

The waiting rental vehicle was a typical mid-sized SUV, plenty of room for the men. Evie took a taxi to the hotel, settling in for a few days. By the time they reached the Pentagon, it was nearly three in the afternoon. It wouldn’t have surprised them if Colonel Brockman had checked out early.

“Hiro? Talk to us. Did we get an appointment?” asked Leif.

“We never got a response from his aide. My suggestion is to knock on the door. You have access to almost every part of the facility. Surprise the old man.”

“That’s a great idea,” frowned Garr. “If we want to get our heads torn off.”

Just finding his office was an exercise in itself. Miles of hallways, tunnels, and hidden rooms were a challenge. Finally, with a sign verifying his office, they knocked and were told to enter.

“May I help you, gentlemen?” asked the young man who stood straight and tall.

“We’re here to see Colonel Brockman,” said Garr.

“Do you have an appointment?” asked the man.

“No, you didn’t bother to return our calls or answer when we did call,” said Leif. He stared at the younger man, who swallowed, nodding at them.

“Then I can assume you’re all with Voodoo Guardians,” he said.

“That’s right,” nodded Garr.

“I’m sorry, the Colonel doesn’t have any time available today.”

“Tomorrow,” said Leif.

“He’s busy tomorrow as well.”

“Let me guess,” said Sebastian. “He isn’t available the next day or the one after that either.” The man wisely said nothing.

“Okay, here’s the deal,” said Garr. “We’re staying in town for a few days. Colonel Brockman can either give us an appointment, or we can demand one through the president. Or, and this is the option I prefer, we can track him down ourselves.”

The young officer wisely said nothing, just staring at the men then down at the calendar in front of him.

“Tomorrow at 0730,” he said, biting his lip. “If you’re late, you’ll miss your chance.”

“We won’t be late,” said Leif. “Make sure he isn’t either.”

The men turned, leaving the office, and started walking down the hallway. They heard the door of Brockman’s office open, and the young officer called out to them.

“Don’t be surprised if he cancels this meeting last minute.” Garr stared at him, others in the hallway turning to look at them.

“Fair enough. Don’t be surprised if we show up at his home.”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

“I just want it simple, Mom. Nothing too fancy, nothing over the top, although that seems an oxymoron around here. I just want to wear a simple white wool gown that Gwen made for me, that white stole that Mama Irene is lending to me, and eat and drink until we’re all happy.”

“That sounds perfect,” smiled Mia. “You’re definitely not a typical bride, Macie. Although around here, I suppose you are. We’ve never had a bridezilla that I can remember.”

“I’m not sure Mama would put up with that,” smiled Claudette. Turning around in the big tent set up for their holiday parties, Claudette noticed Grip watching them all. She smiled, waving him over. “Why are you hiding in the shadows?”

“Sorry, ladies. I didn’t want to interrupt the wedding preparations.”

“You’re not interrupting, Grip,” said Macie. “I’m glad you’re here. You stay hidden a lot, and I hate that.”

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