9:47 a.m.
Colonel Ludlum’s voice gave away the shock he was feeling. “Hardy, thank God you’re alive. When I heard about the explosion, I thought for sure everyone was dead. How did you survive?”
“I got a phone call.” Hardy switched the phone to his left ear before picking up a remote control and shutting off the television.
“What do you mean?”
Hardy waved his hand. “It doesn’t matter. We need to talk, but I don’t want to do it over the phone. When can we meet?”
“I’m in meetings for most of the afternoon.” Ludlum checked the time on his wristwatch. “I can leave early and meet you at my house around four.”
“That’ll work. I’ll see you there.” Hardy slowly lowered the receiver onto the handset’s hook, his mind making a checklist of the things he was going to need. He took a step toward the dining room table and shoved his hand into his front pocket.