Somewhere in New
Hampshire
November 12, 2017
“Where the hell have you been?” demanded the Admiral through the telephone speaker.
“Good evening to you too,” responded Matthews evenly. “Remember the Appalachian Trail is on my bucket list? Well, this morning I began day five of that adventure and was really enjoying the solitude when it was rudely interrupted by a top priority page from you. It’s taken me the last two hours to leave the trail and find a place where I’ve got cell coverage. I’m standing here in the freezing rain wondering what my good friend needs this time. I know that you just didn’t call to chat.”
“When can you get here?”
“I should be in your office first thing tomorrow morning.”
“Good…see you then.” Admiral Jim Wright placed the handset on the cradle and said “Thank God” aloud. No one heard him.