THE LETTER ON GEORGE Merrill’s desk was marked Personal and was accompanied by a small package. With knit brows and a growing smile of suspicion, he first ripped open the letter with a quick gesture of thumb and forefinger. His smile turned to a broad grin when he saw that the message had been written on interoffice stationery.
MEMO
From: Taylor
To: G.M.
Thought you might like to know that the royal wedding took place Monday morning. Princess became Mrs. Craig Taylor at ten A.M. our time, a relief because we can dispense with the Morgan, Huntington, and Teile. Says she is looking forward to Spain. I think the Spanish will like our American royalty.
Have two days honeymooning in Mexico City so won’t waste time writing. (Dr. Hardy got generous. Forty-eight hours, then we have to be back.)
C.T.
P.S. Enclosed turquoise earrings are for Lorna with love from Blair and myself. (Did you think it was for you? Really, Chief, turquoise won’t do much for your eyes.)
The return didn’t catch up to Craig and Blair for almost two months, since the Hunger Crew had left the village behind to move inland and bring relief to a few of the major cities.
MEMO
From: G.M.
To: Taylor
Craig!
My heartiest congratulations. Missed the royal wedding, but will be there with bells on for the royal reception Huntington is planning in December.
Speaking of Huntington, beware! The man shocked us all with a temper tantrum when he heard wedding took place without him present. Then he laughed for two days straight. Read Blair’s letter over and over, grinning like a coon. Word of warning—watch your step with your father-in-law.
Give the princess my love. (And best wishes and thanks from Lorna.) Long life and happiness to you both.
The Chief
Another letter marked Personal appeared on the chief’s desk a few days after Thanksgiving. George Merrill smiled before opening it.
MEMO
From: Taylor
To: G.M.
Sir,
This should catch you, with any luck, a week or so before our arrival home. Am looking forward to seeing you before leaving for Spain, and want you to check your schedule now for a small party by princess and myself on Christmas Eve. The occasion is CLASSIFIED, but I’ll clue you into the surprise since it’s in respect to warnings regarding Andrew Huntington. Don’t worry, I can handle the man. We plan to announce that a royal birth will take place early next summer. Think that will keep him smiling?
Taylor