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Chapter 8

Back inside the van, Stephanie and Randy reviewed the information they had on Major Samuel Duncan, aka Cracker. Randy had compiled a complete dossier on Duncan from birth to present day. Stephanie had reviewed it earlier but concentrated today's interest on the time he and Ranger had served together.

"I've arranged an appointment for you with Duncan at 3 p.m. today. You will be Marsha Nelson, a freelance newspaper reporter researching and interviewing current and former members of various Army Ranger units and how the tight camaraderie carries over into their personal lives," Randy reinforced her cover once again.

"No problem, Randy. All Ihave to do is stroke his ego, ask him a few questions, cross my legs, just your basic Burg methods to start a man talking."

"Well, then I guess we're all set," Randy said.

"Not quite," Stephanie added as she smiled at Randy's questioning look. "First, I have to stop at the mall. My interview with Major Duncan is going to require a few necessities."

At 3 p.m. on the dot, Stephanie eased the rental car up to the guard station. Lowering the window she smiled at the stern-faced guard who was blocking her from entering the main entrance with his body.

"Hi. My name is Marsha Nelson; I have an appointment with Major Duncan," she held up the very authentic-looking fake ID that Randy had given her.

The guard approached the driver's side and inspected the ID card. Checking the daily printout of expected visitors, he glanced at Stephanie's face and then stepped back, making sure he had the car's license number recorded and then waved her on through.

Once Stephanie was inside the main building, she was given a visitor's ID badge to wear and shown to Major Duncan's office. He was on the phone so she sat down in the small reception area outside his office to wait.

Her wait was short, under five minutes. The inner door of Duncan's office opened and a tall blond haired man with muscles to spare approached her with his hand outstretched.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Nelson. Sorry to keep you waiting," Duncan said with a smile that rivaled Ranger's. "Please, step into my office. Can I get you anything? Coffee, tea?"

Stephanie smiled back and shook her head. If he says 'me', I may have to stick my finger down my throat she thought. She was saved from displaying such an unladylike action when his third offer was "Water?"

"No, I'm fine. I'm kind of pressed for time. My assistant seems to have double booked my interviews today, so I'd like to move this along if that's okay with you?" Stephanie smiled and crossed her legs. Her smile held as she watched Duncan's eyes travel up and down her legs.

For the next hour Stephanie played her role to perfection. As Major Duncan finished answering the last question, Stephanie closed her notebook.

"Thank you for your time," Stephanie worked to keep her smile even. "I'm really looking forward to meeting the rest of the gentlemen on my list."

"Who else are you going to interview?" Major Duncan asked.

"Well, I'm scheduled to visit with Jake Adkins in Chicago next," Stephanie paused, hoping that Duncan might add something about Adkins.

Duncan smiled and shook his head, "He and I grew up outside of Detroit, played hockey together. Blades was the best damn goalie we ever had; too bad about his car accident."

"Car accident?"

"Couple of days ago. He and his wife had to go to Santa Fe because her mother became ill. They were leaving the rental car area at the airport when they were rear-ended by one of the airport buses. Broke his leg."

"Well, guess I'll need to rearrange my schedule. The other two on my list are Ricardo Manoso and a G. Harrison Hamilton. Guess I'll just have to call and see which one I can meet with instead."

"Like to be there when you meet Ric and the BLT boys," Duncan chuckled.

"The BLT boys?"

"Bobby, Lester and Tank. Those guys could get in and out of the tightest places without ever being seen." This time the Major laughed.

"So, let me get these code names straight. Adkins was Blades, you were Cracker and Manoso was Ranger." Stephanie was glad she was sitting down, just saying Ranger's name make her legs weak. "What about Harrison?"

Duncan frowned, "You know, I think they called him Swede."

"Do you recall anyone going by the name Mongrel?"

Major Duncan's face went blank, "Mongrel? Um, no, sorry, can't say that I remember anyone by that name, might have been someone who joined up with them for a couple of missions."

Damn, Stephanie thought. "Well, thank you again. I'll send you a copy of the article for your approval prior to its going to print."

"It was my pleasure, Ms. Nelson," Major Duncan walked her to the outer door of the office. "Tell the others I said hi when you see them."

Stephanie smiled and nodded as she shook his hand good-bye.

Major Duncan watched as she drove away; thinking about the conversation they'd had. Ms. Nelson, if that was her name, was searching for something or someone in particular. He'd wager she was looking for someone. He turned back and walked to his office and opened a small wall safe. He pulled out a small notebook. Locating the phone number he was searching for, he dialed it. The phone rang once and then a mechanical voice answered.

"Why?"

"Why? Because a great pair of legs was in my office today and wanted to know if I knew anyone by the name of Mongrel, that's why. Just thought you should know."