The Admiral Loses More Than a Few Good Men
*****
Susan and Caroline were knowing and patient in ways far beyond the crude racist and carnal dissemblings of Mrs. Warrener. They knew and respected Mitch and Cat, had learned to be loved as well as to love, and did not allow the frictions of living together to wear away trenches in which the passion was drowned by reciminations. They never felt any pressure, as Caroline once remarked, "to stay at home." They trusted and were trusted.
Susan had realized, first from talking with the flight surgeons and then from watching Cat after his first flights, that his days of flying fighters were very probably over. And she sensed that he would not accept an assignment as a navigator despite his special knack to find "there" and get home again.
Even so, she was nervous when she went to talk with Caroline. The older woman had a way of being comforting and tough and pithy in the same sentence.
"Ah, Susan, think of it as growing up a little bit more together and now it's time to get on down that lonesome road."
Hence they were the ones who, over a dinner they prepared together, announced quietly that they knew exactly what was going on; and that Caroline and Nancy would drive Susan to New Orleans and put her on the train to Minneapolis and then proceed to Florida.
"You stumble-bums keep us informed, though."
They stopped the stunned and sputtering protests with further advice.
"Do not help the Admiral."
Mitch was adamant.
"I want to tell that...."
"You submit your resignation and make him come to you."
Cat was beginning to enjoy it.
"And me? I can't resign yet. Still got time to pay on the contract."
Susan was ready for that.
"You submit one, too, Cat. Make them refuse and write you new orders. Then on the way you go back into the hospital."
Cat saw the logic of it, but was nevertheless upset.
"That's not quite honest, Susan."
She smacked the table.
"So who's talking honest? That bastard Breckinridge has treated you and Mitch like shit. The flight surgeon told me that you had no business on any kind of active duty. I want this baby. This time you play like they play. Dirty."
Mitch walked around the table and kissed Susan.
"Years and years ago...My God, before you were even born, I would have tried to get you into bed."
The table was bumped, glasses teetered, chairs squeaked. The tension and worry and fear popped like so many soap bubbles.
Table of Contents
- Maggie and Mr. Hank
- The Reverend
- Squalls Along the Flight Line
- Flying Home to Church
- A Visit with The Judge
- Communion
- Afterthoughts
- Monday Morning With The Admiral
- Into the Dining Room
- On Toward Walking the Streets
- Glimpses of An Election
- The Dream and The Reality of Violence
- The Admiral Loses More Than a Few Good Men
- Down That Lonesome Road