Plain Danger

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Tyler glanced at the office to the rear. The nameplate on the door read Command Sergeant Major Adams, evidently the man who had taken her father’s position.

“Is the sergeant major in?” Tyler asked.

“Ah, no, sir. He’s tied up at main post headquarters along with the commander.”

“Ms. York is Sergeant Major Harris’s daughter. I’m sure she’d appreciate seeing her father’s former office, if you don’t mind.”

One of the other men came from around his desk. “Your dad was a fine man who did everything he could to help the troops. I’d be happy to show you around.”

She followed the soldier into a corner office. A large desk sat in front of two windows. Three flags, including the American flag, stood nearby.

“Your father had the side wall filled with awards and commendations, ma’am. Close to thirty years on active duty. That’s a career to be proud of, although I don’t have to tell you.”

She nodded, unable to think of anything to say that wouldn’t expose her mixed emotions. “How did he treat the other men in the unit?” she asked, searching for something to say that wouldn’t reveal her lack of knowledge of the military.

“He was by the book, if that’s what you mean, ma’am, although the sergeant major liked to laugh. A deep bellowing sound that would fill a room. If you heard him laugh, you knew everything would be okay.” Her guide suddenly looked embarrassed. “Forgive me, ma’am. I’m not telling you anything you didn’t already know.”

His statement took her aback. Confusion swept over her as it had too many times over the last twenty-some hours. If only she had heard her father’s laughter.

Tears stung her eyes and a lump filled her throat. Not wanting the sergeant to realize her upset, she choked back her thanks and returned to the main area where Ty stood to the side talking to another man in uniform.

“I’ll wait for you outside,” she managed to say in passing as she hurried out the door and toward the car. Breathing in the fresh air, she stared at the pristine grounds that had been her father’s life for close to thirty years. She knew so little about the military, and everything she thought she knew was proving to be wrong.

A breeze stirred the trees and made her hair swirl in front of her face. She pulled it behind her ears and wiped her hand across her cheeks. She needed to be strong, especially here, surrounded by men and women in uniform who sacrificed so much for the nation.

Carrie thought she had known who she was and where she’d come from. Since George Gates had called her, she had realized how her past had been clouded by her mother’s lies. Regrettably the foundation upon which she’d built her life had been false.

Before arriving at Tyler’s car, someone shouted her name. She turned, seeing a soldier, late thirties, blond hair visible under his beret. He ran toward her.

“Ma’am, one of the men said you were Sergeant Major Harris’s daughter.”

“That’s correct.”

He held out his hand. “Sergeant Oliver, ma’am. Pleased to meet you.”

She returned the handshake.

“I was with your father in the Middle East and served with him here at Fort Rickman. His death was hard on all of us who knew him. If there’s anything I can do, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Thank you, Sergeant.”

“You’ve heard about the ceremony at the end of the month for Freemont veterans?”

“My father’s lawyer mentioned that a plaque would be unveiled honoring my father.”

“Yes, ma’am. The unit’s putting together a slide slow that will be played during the ceremony. The photos highlight the work our soldiers do within the civilian community. I want to add a portion about your father since he’s being honored.”

“That’s very thoughtful.”

“It’s the least I can do to recognize his contribution. He did a lot of good for a lot of people, but then I don’t have to tell you. Although I’ve got a number of pictures that the Public Affairs Office has taken, I’d like to include a few more. Any chance I could borrow some of the snapshots he had at home?”

“He has an office in the rear of the house. I could search through his papers.”

The sergeant handed her his business card. “Call me if you find some that might work. I can pick them up anytime.”

“Give me a day or two, Sergeant.”